AI Gets Closer to XR: Where Will It End?

Up until now, AI and XR have been two fairly well-defined and separate areas of technology, but that line is starting to get blurred, and the end result could be more than just interesting. 

Undeniably, AI is helping fuel the growth of online worlds and systems, and is becoming one of the major tools at the hands of developers. Artificial intelligence is assisting businesses in the creation of surroundings and assets that are more realistic and immersive, as well as in the development of new XR technology. AI is quickly becoming a major asset in XR applications, but what is happening now could just be the tip of the iceberg.

AI vs XR

Currently, the applications and emphasis of XR and AI differ quite widely. XR aims to improve and expand human experiences by means of computer-generated virtual worlds, thereby facilitating their use of their understanding and discovering powers in more efficient forms. Conversely, AI tools seek to imitate and take the place of human knowledge by processing data and information at large. 

In addition to the management of copious amounts of information, AI is also able to handle enormous volumes of data fault-free. Both of these techniques are vital and very active research topics. There are a growing number of applications for both AI and XR, and we are starting to see areas of cross-over between them.

Fact is that AI is now sufficiently advanced – and readily available to all – to be a major benefit to those developing XR content, and it is only going to become easier and quicker to do. But with so many different platforms out there, how would you manage to choose the right AI package to help develop XR content? Well, you need to ask yourself a few fundamental questions.

What Do You Want to Achieve?

The first step is identifying what you actually want out of your AI input, and build up from that point. Before you can compare extended AI options within XR applications, you need to know what your goals are. Generative AI has become an ideal way to make 3D assets, material, environments, and even non-playable characters for XR games. Some companies, like Snap and Meta, even give users access to creative AI tools that can make virtual experiences faster and easier. But businesses can try out creative AI for XR in a number of other ways as well. Just what is it that you want your AI to do? Once you know that, then you are well on the way to identifying the best AI package for your needs.

What Other Platforms Do You Use to Create?

Developers tend to use a growing number of platforms to create, and it is essential that an AI that they use can integrate with them. Using spatial computing capabilities and gesture or voice recognition to enhance user experiences, you may wish to make sure your software will perform effectively on a device like the Meta Quest 3 or the Apple Vision Pro. 

Your technology might have to interface with some solutions to provide particular features. You could be designing in-game structures using specific CAD tools or photoshop to create backgrounds, for instance. You have to make sure that the AI package you harvest will seamlessly connect with your authoring tools.

Pick Your AI

You have to appreciate that not all AI packages are the same, nor are they good at the same things. Common AI systems like ChatGPT are great for fairly simple tasks like creating written content and fairly rudimentary images, but if you want something more complex, you may have to cherry-pick your interface of choice. Solutions such as the Nvidia AI package is far more powerful and adept at creating virtual content, while allowing for easy customisation. If you want the best out of your application, pick your AI packages very carefully. 

Is it Scalable?

As you become more adept at developing, you are going to want to be using an AI package that will grow with you. If you use generative AI tools for content creation, be sure your solution can be trained and refined utilising private data and insights. Look for machine-learning features that will over time increase the efficiency and effectiveness of your technology. It also becomes essential that you can progressively include more apps and software with the technology or customisation of certain aspects to increase the capability of your generative AI system. Make sure that the solution you pick is ready to grow with you, and be an effective tool for all of your generative AI needs. Nobody wants to start changing packages as they become familiar with one.

Consider Security and Ethics 

Whatever generative AI package that you use it will, by its very nature, employ huge amounts of data, and that means security needs to be considered. Since XR applications are likely to either be intended for or will find their way into the Metaverse, encryption and data security must be at the forefront of your operations. 

You may also have to consider the validity of the data that your generative AI is actually producing. Generative fills and synthetic data are the basis of many AI tools and this means that they are generating data that didn’t previously exist. Once others start taking that data as real – imagine a generative AI photo that has included something is plainly not real, such as dinosaurs roaming in front of the Great Pyramids – then the notion starts to become accepted. The same occurs with AI-driven information; once it’s out in the public domain, it becomes accepted as real and truthful. You have a powerful tool in AI, so use it wisely.

So, Where now for AI and XR?

The convergence of AI and XR is transforming not only industries, but also the whole essence of business. According to Statista, 87% of global company executives believe AI helps businesses gain a competitive advantage by improving decision-making processes. AI is the foundation of this shift. It enables robots to think and make decisions in ways that are similar to humans. While XR combines the actual and digital worlds by utilising both VR and Augmented Reality AR. This collaboration is altering established business structures and ushering in an era of creativity and adaptation.