Imagine waking up one morning and, with a simple gesture, transforming any surface in your home into an interactive screen. Or being able to visualise, manipulate, and create three-dimensional objects that float in the air, as tangible as if they were real.

We are not talking about science fiction but about spatial computing, a revolutionary technology that is redefining how we interact with the digital world.

Spatial computing represents the next great leap in technological evolution, surpassing the limitations of two-dimensional screens to create truly immersive experiences that merge the physical and digital worlds.

The concept has its roots in the 1960s, when Ivan Sutherland created the first virtual reality system, "The Sword of Damocles." However, it wasn't until the last decade that advances in computational processing, depth sensors, artificial intelligence, and computer vision allowed this new paradigm to materialise.

The development of technologies such as LiDAR, depth cameras, and modern game engines has been fundamental in reaching the current level of sophistication.

A Growing Market

According to a report by Markets & Markets, the spatial computing market is estimated to reach a value of $198 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 30.5% between 2022 and 2030.

This increase is driven by a series of factors, including virtualisation in fashion, art, and retail, the increase in the adoption of extended reality (XR) in the healthcare sector, and the availability of more affordable hardware.

The report also notes that spatial computing is transforming sectors such as fashion, luxury goods, and retail, with the growing use of immersive environments in the metaverse. Companies are beginning to showcase and sell products in these virtual environments through platforms such as social media and websites.

For example, virtual reality-based fashion shows, virtual fitting rooms, and digital art galleries are moving from the experimental phase to mass adoption, contributing to the expansion of this technology.

More Than Virtual or Augmented Reality

Although often confused with virtual or augmented reality, spatial computing goes much further. While virtual reality completely immerses the user in a digital environment and augmented reality overlays virtual elements onto the real world, spatial computing creates a true fusion between both worlds.

This technology allows digital elements to not only exist in our physical space but to interact with it naturally and contextually, responding to surfaces, lighting, and movements in the real environment.

How is this achieved? Spatial computing combines several advanced technologies to create these immersive experiences. It uses depth cameras, LiDAR sensors, and wearable devices with mixed reality capabilities to map and understand the three-dimensional environment. These devices capture data about the dimensions and physical characteristics of the space, such as walls, furniture, or even people, and process it using artificial intelligence algorithms and computer vision.

Tools such as augmented reality (AR) glasses, mixed reality headsets (like Microsoft's HoloLens or Magic Leap), and advanced sensors allow people to interact with digital objects as if they were physically present.

For example, by combining a headset with haptic controllers, a designer can manipulate a floating 3D model in real time, while a home user can project a virtual plan of their living room to rearrange furniture before moving it.

The key lies in the perfect integration between hardware and software, which allows immersive digital spaces to be recreated accurately and adapt to human interactions in real time. These tools are designed to make the experiences as intuitive as possible, allowing anyone to dive into this hybrid universe without the need for advanced technical knowledge.

Transformative Applications

The applications of spatial computing are beginning to transform key industries in profound and tangible ways.

In the medical field, this technology is revolutionising both training and clinical practice. Surgeons can visualise ultra-detailed 3D models of organs during complex operations, allowing them to plan procedures with greater precision and reduce risks.

In Canada, the Fraser Health authority has taken these capabilities to the next level by implementing a digital twin on a scale of its entire healthcare system. This innovative tool allows the visualisation of patient movement through different healthcare scenarios, simulating the impact of different care models and improving access to services based on patients' specific needs.

In manufacturing, companies like Lockheed Martin have managed to reduce their labour costs by 90% using this technology to guide technicians in assembling space components.

In entertainment, this technology is redefining the creation of immersive experiences in video games, theme parks, and live shows. Logistics also benefits significantly, with the use of digital twins to optimise supply chains and predict potential disruptions.

The Benfica football club, for example, uses spatial computing to analyse player performance. With cameras and computer vision, they capture 2,000 data points per player during matches, generating detailed 3D models that allow them to simulate alternative game scenarios. These simulations provide valuable insights for the team's strategy, such as what would have happened if a player had positioned themselves differently.

As spatial computing advances, products like the Apple Vision Pro are taking the immersive experience to new heights. This headset, designed to offer total immersion, combines advanced computer vision and data processing technologies to create digital environments that overlap and seamlessly integrate with the physical world.

With an ultra-high-resolution display and an eye-tracking system, the Apple Vision Pro allows users to interact with three-dimensional content naturally, using only their eyes, hands, or voice.

Challenges to Overcome

For spatial computing to reach its full potential, several challenges must be overcome. The management of three-dimensional data requires robust infrastructures capable of processing and storing large volumes of information in real time.

As hardware technologies evolve, such as mixed reality devices and AI-powered wearables, there is a need for unified standards to ensure interoperability between platforms and systems.

Additionally, connectivity remains a crucial issue. Although 5G has marked a significant advance, it will not be enough to support the complexity of spatial data. 6G networks and intermediate technologies will be needed to reach the required speed and latency levels.

According to Cathy Hackl, CEO of Spatial Dynamics, "it is essential that computer vision models are continuously trained and optimised so that computers can understand the physical world."

Finally, user training and adoption also represent significant challenges. The integration of these technologies into everyday environments will depend not only on technical advances but also on social acceptance and the adaptation of legal frameworks that regulate their use.

Towards a Hybrid Future

The significance of spatial computing goes beyond its practical applications; it is fundamentally redefining our relationship with technology.

It not only creates new ways of working and entertaining ourselves but also shapes a hybrid reality in which the digital and physical coexist in perfect harmony.

This advancement heralds a future where technology integrates so naturally into our lives that we barely notice its presence.