How AI Can Work Together with Augmented and Virtual Reality

Examples of AI-Generated Content in VR and AR

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.

AI-Generated Content vs Traditional Content Creation in VR and AR

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.

• Efficiency: Since AI tools and algorithms can automate repetitive tasks, it greatly speeds up content creation.
• Realism: AI algorithms can generate such realistic visuals, effects, and sounds that it is sometimes difficult for the user to distinguish them from reality. This improves the overall immersion and believability of the VR or AR experience.
• Scalability: AI-based content generation methods make it possible to create huge, diverse virtual worlds without the need for manual design and development. First, it saves time, and second, it makes it easier to scale the content creation process.

Along with these obvious advantages, AI-generated content has some disadvantages.

• Lack of creativity: No matter how fast AI algorithms aimed at automating certain aspects of content creation develop, they can hardly replace humans. They lack the creativity and intuition of human creators. AI-generated content lacks the unique touch that human creativity brings.
• Ethical сonsiderations: AI generated content raises ethical issues related to ownership and copyright. A number of questions arise: Who owns the rights to content generated by AI algorithms? How can creators protect their intellectual property in a world where AI can replicate their style and methods?
• Quality management: AI algorithms cannot always produce high-quality content. As a consequence, there is a need for human oversight and intervention to ensure that the generated content meets the desired quality standards and user experience.

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.

Technical Challenges of Using AI for AR/VR

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.

Future Trends and Developments

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.