Immersive Technology is any technology that extends reality to create presence and immersion through visual, auditory, and sensory information using various hardware, software, and emerging technology applications.
Context:
Presence. Presence refers to the feeling of being present or physically located within a digital environment. By simulating realistic sensory experiences and enabling participants to interact with objects and other participants, it creates a sense of immersion and engagement within the virtual world as if they were in the same physical space.
Immersion. Immersion refers to the degree to which a participant is fully engaged and absorbed in a virtual environment, to the point where the individual may forget about their physical surroundings. It can be achieved by creating an environment that feels believable and responsive to participant’s actions and inputs, through the use of various technological and sensory inputs, such as virtual reality (VR) headsets, haptic feedback devices, and 3D audio.
Various emerging technologies that can enable presence and immersion are as follows:
- Immersive Technologies: Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Volumetric Video Capture, 360 Degree Video, and Haptics.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI Agents, Machine Learning, Large Language Models, and Chatbots.
- Neuro Technologies: Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) and Bio Sensors.
- Sensors and Optics: Motion, neural, eye-tracking, haptic, environmental, and audio sensors, lenses, and lasers, as well as the role of optics in enhancing user experiences in immersive technology systems.
- Advanced Networking and Communication Infrastructure: 5G, 6G, and advanced wireless.
