Inside India’s XR revolution
As we navigate through a transformative era shaped by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, a new technological frontier is on the horizon — eXperiential Technologies (XT), also known as Spatial Technologies. The XT wave includes Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR), which are not just reshaping entertainment through immersive gaming experiences but also revolutionising learning with simulators and interactive applications. Moreover, XT is carving out significant roles in sectors like healthcare, travel and tourism, oering experiential solutions that redefine our interaction with the digital world.
Since many of these technologies are used by the gaming and entertainment industries, there’s a fair amount of conflation between the “lighter” and more “serious” usage of these tech. However, the DNA of these two sectors — entertainment vs other industries — are so dierent, and the skill sets required are vastly diverse. Therefore it is essential to advocate for strategic policies that will bridge these disparities
In this context, the IIT Madras’ IoE Research Center for Virtual Reality and Haptics released a whitepaper on the AR/VR/MR and eXtended Reality (XR) in India to act as a basis for policy and framework recommendations for this space. The report forecast that by 2030, XR would see significant advancements including powerful and compact devices, advanced sensor technologies, 6G connectivity and convergence with other technologies. And by 2047, XR would undergo further transformations with holographic displays and light-field displays, neural interfaces, quantum computing, decentralised platforms, and enhanced global collaboration. Therefore, it is imperative that eorts and investments into this set of technologies be guided properly to ensure India’s share in this space.
The rise of experiential technologies promises a blend of tradition and futuristic innovation
SOME HISTORY
The roots of XT can be traced back to mid-20th century when pioneers like Morton Heilig and Ivan Sutherland laid the foundation for immersive technologies. Heilig’s Sensorama in the 1950s and Sutherland’s groundbreaking work on headmounted displays in the 1960s marked the early experiments in creating immersive experiences.
The concept of Virtual Reality gained momentum in the 1980s and ’90s with the development of advanced computer graphics and simulations. Companies like VPL Research played a significant role in popularising VR applications for industries such as gaming, training and simulation.
Augmented Reality, which overlays digital information onto the real world, started to gain prominence in the early 2000s with the advent of smartphones and wearable devices. Applications like AR gaming, navigation and marketing began to showcase the potential of blending digital content with the physical environment.
Mixed Reality, which combines elements of both VR and AR, emerged as a powerful tool for creating interactive and immersive experiences. Companies like Magic Leap and Microsoft HoloLens pushed the boundaries of MR technology, enabling users to interact with digital objects in real-world settings.
Extended Reality emerged as a comprehensive term encompassing VR, AR, and MR technologies, oering a spectrum
of immersive experiences.
BENEFITS, CHALLENGES
XR/XT bring immense benefits by enabling immersive experiences as well as enhanced interactivity (multimodal, including voice, touch, gestures etc.) which are important for training and skill development in otherwise risk-prone sectors such as healthcare and exploration.
As a general advantage, working across industries, it enables remote collaboration and interaction across locations as well as improve inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities and special needs. However, XR/XT face some challenges as well, the foremost of which is hardware capabilities and availability of capable hardware at aordable prices.
XR applications also raise concerns about data privacy, security vulnerabilities, and potential misuse of personal information, requiring robust safeguards and regulations.
Recognising the advantages of open source technologies and advocating for their adoption, the authors of the whitepaper believe that it can foster collaboration, standardisation and inclusivity in the development of eXperiential Technologies. The whitepaper emphasised that for XR innovations, India needed to establish technology leadership and invest in education, research, development and innovation aligning with the idea of moving beyond being solely a services player in the domain.