Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI): These modern technologies no longer feel new and confusing. They are gradually infiltrating our lives, bringing new experiences. Imagine a world where virtual unicorns roam your house, or where furniture overlays help you visualize a new sofa in your living room. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the exciting intersection of AR and VR technology.
But what if you add another layer of intelligence to this immersive mix? AI is rapidly transforming AR and VR, unlocking even more potential for app owners, product developers, and anyone interested in innovative software solutions.
In this article, we’ll do a deep dive into a world where AI is improving AR and VR experiences, creating a new frontier for user engagement and business opportunities.
Enhancing Realism in AR and VR with AI
AI in Personalization and Adaptive Experiences
Applying AI-Driven AR/VR in Various Industries
Examples of AI-Generated Content in VR and AR
AI-Generated Content vs Traditional Content Creation in VR and AR
Technical Challenges of Using AI for AR/VR
Immersive technology is getting smarter. As a company with extensive experience in developing AR/VR solutions, HQSoftware is at the forefront of this exciting evolution, where Artificial Intelligence is being used to push the boundaries of realism in Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. This powerful combination is launching a new era of user experiences practically indistinguishable from reality.
Some time ago, HQSoftware helped a German software-as-a-service provider optimize their mobile application for health risk assessment. Our team of developers enhanced the app by leveraging AI to analyze body movements during workouts. Here’s how we integrated AI into the development process:
From hyper-realistic graphics to intelligent object interactions, AI is taking AR/VR to a whole new level of realism and engagement. Let’s explore how AI is enhancing the way we see and interact with the digital world.
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Anna Halias
Business Development Manager
AI has proved its effectiveness in real-time rendering and creating high-definition graphics. Advanced AI algorithms can optimize rendering techniques to create more detailed and realistic 3D models, surfaces and textures in real time. This is particularly important for AR applications, where digital objects need to seamlessly blend with the real-world environment so that the user cannot distinguish the reality from the virtual elements.
AI can also significantly improve lighting, shadows, and texture details in AR and VR environments. By analyzing real-world data and employing machine learning techniques, AI systems can accurately simulate the behavior of light, cast realistic shadows, and apply intricate material properties to virtual objects. This level of detail is essential for creating a convincing and immersive experience, where digital elements appear indistinguishable from their physical counterparts.
For example, companies like Nvidia are leveraging AI techniques such as deep learning to enhance real-time ray tracing — a rendering method that simulates the physical behavior of light for highly realistic visuals.
Object recognition algorithms powered by AI can accurately identify and classify objects within a real-world scene. This allows AR apps to seamlessly blend virtual content with the environment. This capability is particularly valuable in fields such as medical imaging and self-driving cars, where precise object recognition is essential for safety and functionality.
AI-driven segmentation algorithms are also very important in enhancing AR experiences. They can precisely distinguish the main objects (foreground) from the background in real time.This allows AR systems to place virtual objects in a scene so that they interact with real world elements.
When combined with depth sensors or stereo cameras, segmentation techniques produce detailed depth maps. As a result, AR applications can create a more accurate spatial representation of the environment, which is necessary for realistic placement and interaction of virtual objects.
What appeals most to the sophisticated user? Personalized experience. Today, this matters more than ever before. According to Next in Personalization 2021 report, 71% of consumers expect personalized interactions from companies. An even larger proportion (76%) get frustrated when this isn’t what they get.
For truly immersive experiences, digital environments need to react naturally to users. AI delivers the processing muscle to create these dynamic, personalized responses in real time, making users feel seamlessly integrated into the virtual world.
Technology giants such as Google, Microsoft and Meta have already integrated generative AI into their services and platforms. This enables features such as automatic backgrounds for video calls, customized environments, and tailored search results. Many users have already tried and appreciated these technological innovations.
AI uses machine learning to analyze user data, tailoring experiences to individual preferences, interests, and behaviors. This personalization can manifest itself in many different ways, including:
One notable example of an AR app that uses AI to personalize experiences is Wonderscope. This app is designed to bring stories to life by transforming ordinary spaces into immersive storytelling environments. Wonderscope listens to users’ spoken responses and adapts the story based on their answers, creating a unique narrative experience.
Recently, AI has taken personalization to the next level in the field of recognizing and responding to emotions in AR and VR environments. It analyzes facial expression, voice, and other biometric data. Modern AI algorithms can even detect and interpret a user’s emotional state in real time.
This ability opens up new opportunities to increase user engagement and create more emotionally rich experiences. For example, virtual characters or environments can adapt their behavior or appearance based on the user’s emotional state, fostering a deeper sense of connection and immersion.
| Application | AI Enhancement | Description |
| AR and AI | Computer Vision | Objects, places and text recognition to enable interactive experiences |
| AR and AI | Natural Language Processing | Voice search, app control and interactions through AI assistants |
| AR and AI | Contextual Awareness | Understand the environment for timely, relevant info based on the situation |
| VR and AI | Facial Recognition | Expressive avatars through computer vision analysis of facial expressions |
| VR and AI | Speech Recognition | Hands-free control of VR with voice commands through speech recognition |
| VR and AI | Natural Language Understanding | Immersive conversations with virtual characters through dialogue understanding |
| VR and AI | Contextual Models | Reactive, adaptive virtual environments based on user profile and simulation context |
In recent years, the e-commerce and retail industries have seen a surge in the use of AI, AR, and VR. Together, these technologies have greatly changed the way goods are sold online, providing a personalized and immersive shopping experience. For example, AI-enabled virtual fitting technologies allow shoppers to virtually try on clothing before making a purchase. A person can easily visualize how the product will look on them without having to visit a physical store. Isn’t that convenient?
Nowadays, virtual fitting technology is used by various sellers of clothes, footwear, cosmetics and so on, united by one goal: to make the shopping experience for their customers more fascinating and exciting, and as a consequence to increase sales.
In education, AI-enabled AR/VR is breaking down the limitations of classrooms and allowing students to step outside their walls.
For example, students can dissect virtual frogs, explore ancient civilizations in 3D, and even practice public speaking in simulated environments. AI personalizes learning by tailoring content and complexity to individual needs. VR simulations create immersive experiences that solidify understanding. This powerful combination is driving a new era of engaging and effective education.
Сompanies such as Oxford Medical Simulation are developing AI-based VR training simulators. These allow medical students and specialists to practice complex surgical techniques on realistic 3D anatomical models. These simulators can accurately reproduce the physical properties and behavior of human tissues. This provides trainees with a highly realistic and interactive learning experience without risk to real patients.
The gaming industry is rapidly adopting AI technologies in conjunction with AR/VR to create more immersive and interactive experiences.
AI has a particularly profound impact on the characters that users encounter in games. Advanced algorithms allow characters to behave and react realistically in response to game events. As a result, players enjoy an increased degree of immersion and believability.
AI is also revolutionizing narrative and user interaction in games. It facilitates more natural and contextualized conversations with virtual characters, providing a deeper level of engagement. Dynamic story development with AI provides a unique narrative progression based on player choices and actions, creating a personalized and memorable gaming experience.
In healthcare, AI and AR working together can yield outstanding results. For example, AI can power diagnostic tools and analyze data in real time. AR, in turn, can visualize this data during surgery, helping surgeons get accurate insights and perform complex procedures.
In addition, AI-powered virtual simulators can facilitate risk-free training for healthcare professionals, allowing them to practice complex procedures and hone their skills in a safe and controlled environment before working with real patients. These technologies have the potential to improve patient outcomes while reducing the risk of errors and complications.
While AI is primarily used to enhance the realism, personalization, and functionality of AR and VR experiences, it is also capable of generating content itself. AI algorithms can create realistic 3D models, environments, and even entire virtual worlds based on input data or generative models.
Let’s look at a few examples of how AI-generated content is being used in VR and AR:
Gaming: Many VR and AR games use AI to generate content such as virtual characters, game levels, and even the game mechanics themselves. For example, the “Dungeon Alchemist” game uses AI to generate unique game maps and characters. As a result, each time they play, users have the feeling of playing the game for the first time, as the fantasy world is constantly changing.
Medical training: In medical training, VR and AR are being used to create realistic simulations for medical students to practice on. AI can be used to generate variations in patients’ conditions and responses, so that students can experience a wide range of medical scenarios and learn how to respond appropriately.
Companies like SimX use AI to develop immersive Virtual Reality scenarios where medical students and professionals can interact with virtual patients that present diverse medical conditions and exhibit lifelike behaviors and symptoms.
Architecture and design: VR and AR are increasingly being used in architecture and design to create immersive 3D visualizations of buildings and products. AI can be used to generate different design options based on user preferences and requirements, creating a more personalized and efficient design process. Apps like Fologram use AI to let users customize and visualize furniture placements using AR.
Education: The main goal of using VR and AR in education is to create an interactive and engaging learning experience. AI also helps achieve this goal. For example, AI can be used to make content that adapts to individual students’ learning styles, abilities, and progress, providing a more effective and personalized educational experience. Platforms like Google Expeditions employ AI to tailor VR field trips based on student interests.
Marketing and advertising: In marketing and advertising, VR and AR are used to create strong and positive brand impressions, which will subsequently push the user to purchase the product of this brand. AI in this case can be used to create personalized content for individual users based on their interests, preferences and behavior, providing a more attractive and effective advertising experience.
There is no doubt that content created by Artificial Intelligence has many advantages over traditional content. Otherwise, it would not have achieved its current popularity.
Along with these obvious advantages, AI-generated content has some disadvantages.
Thus, it can be concluded that a balanced approach is the best — that is, combining AI-generated assets with human curation and artistic direction. This may be the most effective strategy for creating truly immersive and meaningful AR and VR experiences.
AI promises to revolutionize Augmented and Virtual Reality, but a number of technical hurdles must be overcome to fully realize this potential.
One of the main challenges is the enormous computing power required to run complex AI algorithms in real time. This is especially true for mobile AR/VR devices with limited computational resources. For example, tasks such as real-time object recognition and scene understanding in complex environments require processing huge amounts of visual data with low latency.
Imagine walking through a virtual world replete with complex details. To make this walk as close to reality as possible, the Artificial Intelligence behind the scenes must constantly analyze the environment, identify objects and adjust the environment accordingly. And all of this must be done in milliseconds, to maintain a smooth and seamless user experience. Unfortunately, attempts to fit powerful processors into sleek mobile AR/VR headsets face serious challenges related to size, heat dissipation, and battery life.
Another technical challenge is collecting and processing the data needed to effectively train AI models. Collecting large amounts of data for tasks such as object recognition, segmentation, and motion tracking can be time- and resource-consuming.
How do modern businesses use AR to increase their revenues and outperform their industry competitors?
No one knows what the future holds. But some trends already suggest that the field of AI-powered AR/VR will continue evolving and improving. What makes this happen is cutting-edge technologies. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Generative AI: This allows users to create 3D environments, textures and animations using simple textual instructions such as descriptions, commands or questions. With generative AI, people can use natural language to create and modify digital content without the need for complex software or artistic skills. Essentially, generative AI acts as an intelligent digital content creation assistant that understands and generates visuals based on spoken text.
Brain-computer interfaces: How does it work? Here AI is used to communicate and interact with the user’s brain using sensors and electrodes. The user can control and influence AR/VR content with their thoughts and emotions through brain-computer interfaces. For example, a person can change the color, shape, or sound of content by simply thinking it through.
Machine learning for real-time adaptations: Advanced machine learning allows AR/VR environments to adapt and change in real time. These smart computer systems can learn from user behavior. How does this work? They observe user actions, analyze the data, and instantly update digital content to better suit each individual user.
For example, if a user can’t figure out the instructions in a VR simulator, the machine learning system can recognize this based on their actions. It then adapts by simplifying the instructions or providing additional hints in real time.
Spatial computing: This refers to using smart technologies to understand the physical spaces and environments around us. This allows AR and VR applications to easily integrate digital content into the real 3D world.
Imagine using an AR application where you can place a virtual couch in your living room. Spatial computing uses AI to determine the size and layout of the actual space of your living room. This allows the app to place the virtual model of the sofa in the real room, ensuring it is sized correctly and doesn’t hit any walls or furniture. Without spatial calculations, AR objects would just be flat overlays that don’t quite match the geometry of the real world.
In the constantly evolving landscape of technology, HQSoftware harnesses the transformative potential of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence to redefine the boundaries of innovation.
We have a team of experienced developers and visionary designers with expertise in VR and AR development services. Our commitment to excellence is evident in every project we undertake, from conceptualization to execution, ensuring that each product not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our clients.
Our approach is based on a deep understanding of the intricacies of AR and VR, combined with the power of AI. This unique combination of skills and knowledge allows us to develop high-quality projects that are both innovative and practical.
Contact us today and we will be happy to turn your ideas into reality!
HQSoftware Founder
Having founded the company in 2001, uses his broad knowledge to drive the company forward. Ready to share his wisdom on software development and technology insights
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Sergei Vardomatski
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