Interactive 3D technology is stepping out of the gaming field, becoming an essential part of training, design, and automation. Current advancements are built on the foundation of the gaming industry, where graphics, engines, and simulations have set the stage for today's practical applications.
Each decade is associated with a technological focus: from text in the 1990s, images in the 2000s, video in the 2010s, and now interactive 3D in the 2020s. The gaming industry has been and continues to be a 'laboratory of innovation,' applying breakthroughs in graphics and simulation to fields beyond entertainment.
3D technology not only creates vibrant experiences but also effectively addresses real-world problems. Real-time simulations allow businesses to minimize risks and costs in a virtual environment. In training, 3D applications help develop skills in operating robots or performing surgeries, providing outstanding flexibility and safety.
Three main trends are driving the development of 3D technology. First, AI automates content creation, simplifying processes and optimizing time. Second, spatial scanning technologies like Matterport and NeRF enable accurate reproduction of real-world spatial models. Finally, XR devices (AR/VR) integrated with sensors and haptic feedback create more realistic experiences than ever before.
The applications of 3D technology are shaping every aspect of work and life. In training, they help learn how to repair machinery or perform surgical procedures in a virtual space. In autonomous driving, simulation models help develop self-driving cars and AI more safely. In design, virtual spaces facilitate testing ideas before implementation, optimizing time and cost.
Not limited to business, 3D technology is reaching everyday life. Consumers can scan their home space to arrange virtual furniture or shop through XR, providing a realistic experience without leaving the house.
The impact of interactive 3D extends far beyond entertainment, changing how we work, learn, and create. This ecosystem not only supports but also becomes a core foundation in defense, education, retail, and many other fields.
As the video shaped a decade ago, 3D is becoming the focal point of innovation this decade. With a launchpad from the gaming industry alongside support from AI, spatial scanning technology, and XR, interactive 3D is breaking down the barriers between the real and the virtual. This era is not only a technological advance but also a revolution changing how people work and interact with the world.
TL;DR:
View games as a technology platform: Learn from games to apply simulation and 3D interaction in business.
Unlimited 'experiential' capabilities: Cheap, safe virtual simulations stimulate innovation and accelerate R&D.
Ready for the XR/AI leap: Leveraging AI in content creation, harnessing XR to enhance experiences and pave the way for a range of new applications.
References:
Virtual Worlds Mean Real Business: How Games Power the Future by a16z