Archived Content - 2016

 

Augmented Reality Could Contribute to Information Overload, If We Let It
The Institute - December 2016

A new kind of operating system will be needed to encourage mindfulness rather than distraction

"As augmented and mixed reality applications emerge and we move toward a ubiquitous computing environment, the technologies will begin to take a toll on human consciousness, according to John Rousseau, executive director at Artefact, a design and innovation firm in Seattle. He says our perception of reality could be influenced by a constant “feed” of information that—like today—is created and controlled by a variety of self-interested parties."

Read more at The Institute

 

Conferences Focus on Technologies and Applications for Augmented and Virtual Reality
The Institute - December 2016

Upcoming events delve into immersive projection technology, virtual storytelling, and navigation in virtual environments

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The Bionic Body: No Longer a Fantasy
The Institute - December 2016

The next generation of human augmentation technologies is in the works

"Science-fiction movies such as RoboCop have introduced characters that are part human, part machine. Their intelligent prosthetics and sophisticated suits of armor seem like part of some distant future. But such high-tech helpers are expected to debut in the next few years thanks in part to the work of IEEE members."

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Special Report: Digital Senses
The Institute - December 2016

"Technology that lets people enhance reality or even escape it is quickly evolving. We can experience augmented reality with smartphones and smartglasses and immerse ourselves in different scenarios with virtual reality headsets. Human augmentation technologies such as prosthetics and brain-machine interfaces can restore sensory experiences lost by people with disabilities and can enhance the senses of the able-bodied."

Read more at The Institute

 

Augmented Reality Can Equip the Unemployed With New Skills
The Institute - December 2016

The technology can make it easier for people to make great strides in their field

"As technology advances, it continues to remove barriers to globalization, which has displaced workers in many countries through outsourcing. Although technology also contributes to unemployment with its ability to automate jobs, it can be part of the solution. Augmented reality can provide new skills to unemployed and underemployed workers, as well as career opportunities for those without a technical background."

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Yu Yuan’s Mission is to Improve Lives Through Virtual Reality
The Institute - December 2016

The IEEE Digital Senses Initiative chair discusses the possibilities and concerns of immersing ourselves in new worlds

"IEEE Senior Member Yu Yuan, who chairs the IEEE Digital Senses Initiative, believes so much in the benefits of virtual reality, augmented reality, and human augmentation technologies to enhance and extend people’s sensory capabilities that he’s devoting his life to helping advance them. In April he launched Senses Global Corp. in Shenzhen, China, to focus on these three areas."

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Super Ventures Invests US $10 Million in Augmented Reality Startups
The Institute - December 2016

Augmented World Expo founder Ori Inbar’s venture capital firm invested in eight companies this year

"IEEE Member Ori Inbar says he wants to see a billion users adopt augmented reality technologies by 2020. To get there, he’s lending a helping hand to entrepreneurs through Super Ventures, a venture capital firm he helped launch this year. It is providing US $10 million in funding focused on AR startups. Inbar and three other experts in the field partnered to provide the funds and to mentor the ventures to help them grow. As of early October, the firm had invested in eight companies."

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IEEE Releases Ethically Aligned Design: A Vision for Prioritizing Human Wellbeing with Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems for Public Discussion
Beyond Standards - December 2016

"Aristotle explained Eudaimonia to be the practice that defines human wellbeing as the highest virtue for a society. The term translates roughly as “flourishing”, and involves conscious contemplation on ethical considerations that help define how individuals wish to live within a society."

Read more at Beyond Standards

 

How Augmented Reality Will Change the Way We Work
The Institute - December 2016

The DAQRI Smart Helmet and the Microsoft HoloLens have been tested at construction sites and water treatment plants

"Industry is a test bed for AR’s capabilities. Workers on construction sites, in water treatment plants, and elsewhere are trying smart helmets and headsets that can display step-by-step instructions to help them fix faulty machinery. And they can communicate and share what they’re looking at with colleagues, and ask their advice, even if they’re thousands of kilometers apart."

Read more at The Institute

 

More to Explore in Digital Senses
The Institute - December 2016

IEEE offers several resources on augmented reality, virtual reality, and human augmentation

"IEEE offers a variety of resources to help you get up to speed on augmented reality, virtual reality, and human augmentation—the use of technology to enhance and improve our senses."

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Virtual Reality Can Immerse People in News Stories and Prepare Them for Natural Disasters
The Institute - December 2016

Its applications can help people feel empathy and give us a better understanding of the real world

"The animated film WALL·E paints a dystopian future in which people are glued to their individual video screens, oblivious to their surroundings. In the real world, similar concerns are being raised about virtual reality. People who wear VR headsets can immerse themselves in virtual worlds and be conscious of little else."

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A New IEEE Initiative Focuses on Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Human Augmentation Technologies
The Institute - December 2016

IEEE Digital Senses group works to foster innovation in these three areas

"With the popularity of augmented reality games, virtual reality headsets, and bionic body parts, interest has never been greater in technologies that blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds."

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Conversation Starter: Ethics and Augmented Reality
Beyond Standards - October 2016

"Technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are emerging today in fields such as healthcare with wearables opening a new channel of data for patient care and research and consumer electronics with smart fridges, thermostats and other connected, programmable appliances. Now imagine a future where these technologies work seamlessly together creating a personalized, customizable world."

Read more at Beyond Standards

 

Nausea Ratings for Virtual Reality
IEEE Transmitter - June 2016

"Movies, TV shows and video games all have rating systems that let us know if the content is appropriate for specific ages and the amount of violence to expect. As virtual reality headsets and VR content become more mainstream, the need for a different type of rating system has emerged—one that ranks motion or nausea risk."

Read more at IEEE Transmitter

 

Theme Park Thrill in Virtual Reality
IEEE Transmitter - May 2016

"Theme parks are always adding in new rides and attractions, and now they’re turning to technology to add a bigger thrill factor with virtual reality."

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A Beginner’s Guide to Virtual Reality
IEEE Transmitter - March 2016

"Virtual reality (VR) might feel futuristic, but it is very much a technology of today. As the VR industry gains traction, so, too, does the 3D device market;different variations of VR accessories — headsets and glasses — continue to hit the market, with entry-level options starting around $20."

Read more at IEEE Transmitter

 

Recent Trends in Augmented and Virtual Reality
Computing Now - January 2016

"Augmented reality is a formidable method of presenting information. Its in-situ nature enables the presentation of just-in-time information and data visualization in the context of physical objects and locations. Virtual reality lets users view and explore environments that are literally out of their reach. Both augmented and virtual realities can provide users with 3D virtual information in an intuitive manner."

Read more at Computing Now