The Exciting Future of VR and AI: How Technology is Changing the Game

Few would deny that technology is not only evolving, but doing so at an accelerated pace. What was only a few years ago unthinkable as an everyday piece of technology has not only come to fruition, but is quickly becoming mainstream and becoming normalised in many industries. It wasn’t that many years ago that personal computers ran successfully on 64kb of RAM; it’s almost laughable now to not have a cheap system that sports at least 16Gb of RAM.

Science fiction writers used to embellish us with thrilling tales of virtual worlds and intelligent computer systems, but these are now mainstream. Two of the biggest innovations of the last five years have been cheap and usable Virtual Reality (VR) systems, and increasingly intelligent software. Artificial Intelligence (AI) now drives the website chats and online query systems that we turn to when we have a question about our car insurance, or our parcel hasn’t turned up. And you thought it was a human at the other end?!??! We know that the present is pretty scary, but what does the future hold?

THE FUTURE OF AI AND VR?

It is, without a question, a thrilling moment to be a part of the revolutionary potential of VR and AI. Immersive and engaging experiences are becoming more and more possible as AR and VR user experiences get more and more advanced. And with the help of AI, virtual reality is improving and becoming more user-friendly. With the advent of AI, the virtual worlds we explore are not only getting more lifelike, but also more interactive. VR was just made for AI, and the two make a perfect partnership.

Immersive and intelligent digital environments are being created as a result of the combining of VR with AI. Envision a future where virtual assistants are always one step ahead of you, learn your habits and preferences, and work in tandem with your VR adventures. Already, this degree of integration is a reality, and the potential is just astounding. The next generation of VR headsets are going to be truly awesome.

GROWING TOGETHER

Plainly, today’s slew of virtual and augmented reality headsets are designed to place users directly into fantastic but wholly computer-generated environments and experiences. AI allows computers to reach far beyond human imagination. Put the two together and we have the potential to create experiences that will make those that we have today seem more than a little tame. But the use of AI in VR experiences can become much more fundamental, and has the potential to impact the VR systems and how they actually operate. This could manifest in a number of ways:

- Inherent intelligence in experience delivery. Utilising artificial intelligence and machine learning, the user’s experience may be tailored to their specific needs. The game’s procedural content generation is made easier with its help. Other typical problems, such cheating, can be avoided with the use of AI while making games and experiences.

- AI integrates full body movement. Fully measured and controlled movement, with full-body, head, hand, and eye tracking are all part of possible AI-driven motion tracking. By utilising more sophisticated intelligence algorithms and improved sensor technologies, it enhances tracking accuracy, speed, and sensitivity.

- Always on view action. Using predictive AI algorithms can greatly improve eye tracking, a tool that streamlines the virtual reality gaming experience. The ability to track the player’s eyes makes shooting weapons, navigating menus, and activating in-game actions as simple as glancing at a screen. With the help of AI, a game or experience may now focus on the exact spot where the user’s eyes are moving, rather than guessing. The result is an action that is always in the user’s gaze.

- AI-driven spatial audio. Because the sound is now completely three-dimensional, an artificial intelligence-driven spatial audio system will substantially enhance the immersion of the game or experience. By utilising a variety of supplementary noises instead of voiceover, spatial audio enhances the game’s narrative. The use of AI creates a completely immersive audio experience within VR.

But the marrying of AI and VR is likely to impact many more industries than just gaming and entertainment, and is powerful enough to be a bonus to business and infrastructure industries too.

- Business applications. With VR technology powered by AI, customers can virtually try on things before buying them thanks to virtual showrooms made possible by VR. Behind the scenes, AI chatbots are capable of taking orders and providing real-time answers to questions. In addition, by automating routine activities and optimising supply chains, virtual reality and artificial intelligence can simplify company operations, allowing workers more time to concentrate on strategic and creative roles.
- Education environments. VR has the potential to revolutionise education by immersing pupils in virtual worlds. Envision a world where kids can explore underwater habitats and learn about marine life, or stroll through ancient ruins. On the flip side, AI has the potential to transform the way we teach in traditional classrooms by tailoring lessons to the individual needs of each student.
- A new level of healthcare. The combination of VR and AI are transforming how healthcare is delivered. Immersive experiences made possible by VR can revolutionise medical education by giving students a chance to practise intricate operations in a safe setting. Through the analysis of medical data, AI-powered treatment planning and diagnostic tools can aid doctors in making prompt, precise decisions—decisions that could save lives.

Unity Developers are excited about the growth of both VR and AI systems and aim to be a leading exponent of these powerful technologies. If you have an application that you think would make the most of AI and VR, why not contact us and see how we can help you.