What Is The Metaverse?
The Metaverse can be pictured as an online 3D digital world concept with virtual lands and objects. One can imagine a world where they can work remotely, visit virtual museums to see the latest artwork, or join their fellow rock band fans at a virtual concert, all from the comfort of their home. Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, and Decentraland have already integrated aspects of the Metaverse to bring multiple elements of our lives into online worlds. However, the Metaverse is still under development. It isn’t yet fully known if there will be one big global Metaverse or multiple metaverses that they can roam.
As the idea continues to develop, it should develop beyond social media and gaming platforms. Digital identity, remote work, and decentralized governance are only a few of the potential aspects the Metaverse can support. It can also become more multi-dimensional by means of connected VR headsets and glasses, so users can actually physically walk around exploring 3D spaces.
The Latest Developments In Metaverse Tech
With Facebook’s renaming to Meta in October 2021, the Metaverse has become the new favorite buzzword. To accommodate its rebranding, the social media platform has poured resources into a new division called Reality Labs to spend as much as $10 billion in 2021. Their vision is to develop metaverse content, software, as well as AR and VR headsets, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg thinks it will be as prevalent as smartphones in the future.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated interest in developing metaverses. There is an increasing demand for more interactive ways to connect with others as more people have started working remotely. Virtual 3D spaces that make it possible for colleagues to join meetings, meet up, and collaborate are on the rise. The Microsoft Mesh released in November 2021 is one instance. It features immersive environments for users to mingle and collaborate using their avatars, making remote team meetings more engrossing and fun.
Some online games also adopt the Metaverse. The AR smartphone game Pokémon Go was one of the first to exploit the concept by making it possible for players to hunt virtual Pokémon in the real world using a smartphone app. Fortnite, another popular game, has extended its product to different activities in its digital world, including hosting branded events and concerts. Sign up for this upcoming international conference in 2023 if you’d really like to go in-depth and learn from globally renowned tech experts.
Apart from social media giants and gaming platforms, tech companies such as Nvidia have opened up brand new avenues in virtual worlds. Nvidia Omniverse is an open platform that’s designed to connect 3D spaces in a shared universe to allow for virtual collaboration between engineers, designers, and creators. It is currently used in different industries. For example, the BMW Group uses the Omniverse to reduce production time and improve product quality through smart manufacturing.
Key Technologies That Propel The Metaverse
To make the metaverse experience more immersive, organizations are using advanced technologies such as blockchain, AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality), 3D reconstruction, AI (artificial intelligence), and IoT (Internet of Things) to drive the 3D world.
- Blockchain & Cryptocurrency
Blockchain technology offers a decentralized and transparent solution for digital proof of ownership, digital collectability, value transfer, governance, accessibility, and interoperability. Cryptocurrencies allow users to transfer value as they work and socialize in the 3D digital world. For instance, crypto can be used to purchase virtual land from Decentraland. Players can purchase 16×16 meter plots of land in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with the in-game cryptocurrency MANA. With the aid of blockchain technology, ownership of these virtual lands can be established and secured.
In the future, crypto can potentially inspire people to actually work in the Metaverse. As more companies begin moving their offices online for remote work, we might see metaverse-related job postings.
- AR (Augmented Reality) & VR (Virtual Reality)
Augmented reality and virtual reality can provide us with an immersive and engaging 3D experience. These are our entry points into the virtual world. But what are the primary differences between AR and VR?
AR makes use of digital visuals and avatars. It is far more accessible than VR and can be made use of on almost any smartphone or digital device with a camera. Through AR apps, users can visualize their surroundings with interactive digital visuals, identical to what we have in the Pokémon GO smartphone game. When players open their phone’s camera, they can see the Pokémon in the real environment.
VR works differently. Much like the metaverse concept, it produces a fully computer-generated virtual environment. Users can then explore such environments using VR headsets, gloves, and sensors.
The workings of augmented reality and virtual reality show an early model of the Metaverse. Virtual reality is already resulting in the mass production of a digital world that incorporates fictional visual content. As its technology matures, virtual reality may extend the metaverse experience to involve physical simulations with virtual reality equipment. Users will be able to engage their senses of touch, hearing, and sight and interact with people from other parts of the world. Given the hype surrounding the Metaverse, we can expect more Metaverse companies to invest in the development of AR and VR gear in the near future.
- AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Artificial Intelligence has been widely applied in our lives in recent times – business strategy planning, decision making, facial recognition, faster calculation, etc. More recently, AI specialists have been exploring the possibilities of applying AI to creating immersive metaverses.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to process a ton of data at lightning speed. Combined with machine learning, AI algorithms can learn from previous iterations, taking historical data into account to come up with outstanding results and insights.
In the Metaverse, artificial intelligence can be applied to NPCs (non-player characters) in various ways. NPCs exist in almost all games; they are part of the game environment designed to react and respond to player actions. Using AI processing capacities, NPCs can be positioned in 3D spaces to facilitate realistic conversations with real players or perform other tasks. Unlike a human user, an AI NPC can work alone and be made use of by millions of players at the same time. It can also work in numerous different languages.
Another potential application of AI is the production of metaverse avatars. AI engines can be made use of to analyze 2D images or 3D scans to generate more realistic and precise avatars. To make the process more dynamic, artificial intelligence can even be used to produce different clothing, facial expressions, hairstyles, and features to improve the digital humans being created. Sign up for this international conference in Abu Dhabi today to stand a chance to listen to expert lectures on the role of AI in metaverse tech.
- 3D Reconstruction
Although not a new technology, the use of 3D reconstruction has increased during the pandemic, particularly in the real estate sector, as closures have prevented potential buyers from viewing properties in person. Therefore, some agencies have adopted 3D reconstruction technology to generate virtual tours of properties. Similar to the Metaverse we imagined, buyers could look around potential new homes from anywhere and shop without even setting foot inside.
One of the hurdles for the Metaverse is to create a digital environment that feels as close to the real world as possible. With the aid of 3D reconstruction, it can produce realistic and natural-looking spaces. Using special 3D cameras, we can bring our world online by rendering precise 3D photorealistic models of objects, buildings, and physical locations. The 3D spatial data, along with 4K HD photography, are subsequently transmitted to computers to process and produce a virtual replica in the Metaverse for users to experience. These virtual replicas of objects in the physical world can also be called digital twins.
- IoT (Internet of Things)
The Internet of Things was introduced back in 1999. Put simply, the Internet of Things is a system that takes everything in our physical world and connects it to the Internet by means of sensors and devices. Subsequent to connecting to the Internet, these devices will have a unique identifier and the ability to send or receive information automatically. Today, the IoT connects thermostats, voice-activated speakers, medical devices, and more to a wide range of data.
One of the applications of the IoT on the Metaverse is to collect and provide data from the physical world. This would enhance the preciseness of digital representations. For instance, IoT data streams could change the operation of certain metaverse objects based on current weather or other conditions.
The implementation of IoT can seamlessly connect the 3D world to a large number of real devices. This allows for the generation of real-time simulations within the Metaverse. To further optimize the metaverse environment, the IoT could also use AI and machine learning to manage the data it collects.
The Challenges Facing The Development Of Metaverse Tech
- Identify Theft
The Metaverse remains in its early stages of development. Challenges include identity authentication and privacy control. In the real world, identifying someone is often not difficult. But as people move through the digital world in their avatars, it will become tough to identify or prove who the other person is. For instance, malicious actors or even bots could enter the Metaverse pretending to be someone else. They could then use it to damage their reputation or to scam other users.
- Another Challenge Is Confidentiality
The Metaverse relies on AR and VR devices to deliver an immersive experience. These technologies with camera capabilities and unique identifiers could potentially lead to unwanted leaks of personal information.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is one of the most prolific technological advancements of our time. The latest development in artificial intelligence has seen it applied to dozens of industries and sectors. From manufacturing and pharmaceuticals to robotics and supply chain management and day-to-day AI software automation, it’s happening everywhere.
The history of AI and the latest advancements are very quickly streamlining the business world with its capacities for intelligent decision-making and seamless automation. Right from their introduction, major AI developments have been having their impact all across the globe. In 2022 and beyond, its applications should only become more numerous.
Explore Recent Developments In Artificial Intelligence
Highlighted below are some of the latest developments in artificial intelligence that everyone should know about.
- Trends In Artificial Intelligence In Robotics
Many robotics startups are now adopting AI to develop and automate new AI systems. Companies like Olis Robotics have encouraged innovation through the use of plug-and-play controls equipped with AI-powered software.
The company’s proprietary controllers and software make it possible for people to operate tethered robots on the seabed. Additionally, they can make use of robotics to service satellites with the help of high-latency satellite links and to mop up hazardous chemical spills using robotics that depend on 4G and 5G networks.
These developments are rapidly expanding the role of robotics and are having remarkable impacts on the collective progress of humanity.
The history of artificial intelligence and the latest developments are at the forefront of the advancement of robotic natural language processing.
The release of Google’s BERT model has accelerated AI’s widespread adoption of advanced NLP. With such NLP, language is identified and comprehended in a much more complex and machine-computable way. Google’s model is open source and is accessible for public use. Get to know more about this at the International Conference on Exploring Colossal Technological Advances of 21st Century in Science, Engineering & Technology (ICECTASET-2022), which is a highly anticipated engineering and technology conference that’s set to take place in Abu Dhabi, from the 12th to the 13th of August, 2022.
- Machine Learning For Nature Conservation
The University of Oxford has used the latest developments in artificial intelligence to build new software that can identify and trace the faces of endangered species like chimpanzees individually in their natural habitats.
The software helps conservationists and researchers maximize the impacts of their efforts while minimizing the time and resources needed to observe and track species at risk.
An Oxford University research team trained the machine learning model using more than 10 million images of wild chimpanzees. They obtained the images from Kyoto University’s Institute of Primate Research video footage of wild chimpanzees in West Africa.
The team aims to use AI trending software to positively impact conservation efforts for these endangered primates and potentially other species as well.
- Advances In AI In Healthcare
The latest development in artificial intelligence in healthcare is enabling improved precise diagnoses, clinical decision-making, and optimal patient care.
AI research is propelling the widespread adoption of telemedicine in healthcare facilities. It is integrated with wearable devices that offer real-time patient data and apps with useful features like screen sharing, video chatting, and texting. Patients can even make use of these apps to book medical appointments and follow-ups and request prescriptions.
There are numerous challenges in diagnostic AI that are routinely overcome. For example, it has long been difficult for AI to learn how to correctly interpret diagnostic results under human supervision.
It is difficult for machines to identify rare diseases due to the lack of images. Recent developments in AI have allowed the increase in AI training by computer-generated X-rays to create a larger database. Using this database, neural networks are trained to identify rare diseases.
Recent developments in artificial intelligence have proven to be crucial in the production of COVID-19 vaccines. You’ll be able to learn more about this at this incredible upcoming Scopus indexed conference in Abu Dhabi.
Experts from the Brookings Institution have revealed that artificial intelligence AI algorithms can identify viral components. An example is SYGFQPTNGVGYQPY which has the right properties to stimulate the immune system of patients. This facilitates the development of more effective vaccines with minimal side effect profiles. This helps in diminishing vaccine hesitancy amongst patients.
- AI Developments In The Automotive Sector
Self-driving cars are widely hailed as the latest development in artificial intelligence and the future of transportation. AI-powered autonomous vehicles are rapidly gaining popularity. According to PwX, autonomous vehicles are expected to cover 40% of the mileage driven in Europe by 2030.
In the future, automobiles will be able to connect to each other and transport infrastructure networks through AI. This means that vehicle occupants will connect to the outside world through the use of augmented reality, allowing them to use multimedia services while on the move.
According to Analytics Insight, industry analysts have estimated that there were over 250 million vehicles already connected to the Internet in 2020. These vehicles are equipped with IoT-enabled sensors, geo-analytical capabilities, and platforms. -forms of connectivity for Big Data. This signals the dawn of a transition to a more unified vehicle operating platform.
The US Department of Transportation is certain that autonomous vehicles will replace e-commerce and professional road freight. Currently, road freight is one of the largest carbon emitters in existence. This will optimize the fuel consumption of future vehicles and improve time and energy management as well as road safety.
These AI trends will help mitigate rising CO2 levels. These levels are propelling climate change and the potentially catastrophic destabilization of the world’s natural ecosystems. The global transport industry currently accounts for 15-20% of total global carbon emissions.
- AI Trends In Computer Vision & Video Analytics Technologies
Recent developments in artificial intelligence in deep learning have made it more affordable and accessible than ever before to deploy video and image analysis tool kits. These computer vision tools have significant applications in the manufacturing and medical sectors.
In radiology, AI tools are used to improve the efficiency of diagnostic procedures. This offers physicians the ability to offer faster and more accurate diagnoses.
Accessible computer vision artificial intelligence technology is being used in manufacturing to power “Industry 4.0”. It revolutionizes the automation of quality control procedures, safety management, and supply chain management. Professionals from all industries would do well to watch for future trends in computer vision. Attending this upcoming virtual conference in 2022 is guaranteed to get you up-to-speed on this topic.
- AI Is Progressing Towards High-Level Human Functions
Using tools to achieve certain goals and purposes has long been considered human behavior. With the exception of some other animal species, like chimpanzees and corvids.
Recently, new AI agents developed by OpenAI have been able to learn to use tools in a multi-agent concurrency-based experiment without being deliberately taught to do so. This represents a remarkable advance in the development of valuable and autonomous trends in artificial intelligence.
Companies such as Nvidia have been able to show off robots that perform real-world tasks by learning from the actions of humans. Robots can observe how tasks are performed and then replicate those actions, which is a huge step up from the usual behavior of robots.
Another bot program called AlphaGo self-learned advanced strategies for playing the “Go” game, requiring no human training. Over time, developments in artificial intelligence are expected to create robots capable of operating somewhat independently of humans and human knowledge.
- The Dawn Of Robotic Assistants
Most people would have to think for a while about how they would feel about a robotic nurse caring for them if they became sick, or a caregiver robot taking care of their elderly parents or relatives, or a robotic salesman helping them choose an extra pair of jeans.
Many nations across the globe are struggling to find enough caregivers to care for their aging population. This will become an increasingly pressing obstacle as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age.
Recent developments in AI could fill this gap. The government of Japan is currently working to promote the acceptance of technology that would replace human caregivers and nurses.
Japanese developers are working on creating robots that can help people get out of bed, predict when they may need to go to the bathroom or maintain medication schedules.
Future priorities for researchers include developing wearable mobility aids and technology that can guide people to the toilet and to bed when new AI predicts it’s the right time to do so.
- Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly talked about topic as businesses, remote employees, and big brands all shift their operations online. The rapid growth of technology coupled with recent developments in AI has accompanied the development of threats to sensitive data and networks.
Numerous organizations have developed intuitive AI solutions to provide more comprehensive cybersecurity. This cybersecurity improves the detection and response to incidents, identifies and communicates risks, and maintains optimal control of the situation.
Some of the most recent advances in this area include the release of Magnifier, a behavioral analysis solution from Palo Alto Networks. The latest AI development solution models network behavior using machine learning to improve threat detection.
Alphabet, the parent company of Google, introduced the Chronicle cybersecurity intelligence platform to streamline and enhance cybersecurity measures as we know them.
- AI Applications In Fintech
Fintech has become a fast-developing industry over the past few years. Traditional financial firms are forced to keep up with technological advancements as new AI-based applications emerge and disrupt the industry.
Artificial intelligence can decimate the operational processing times of financial institutions. General intelligence technology can negate the need for human operators to perform manual processes and quicken the processing of deposits, approvals, payments, and transactions.
Machine learning has proven to be useful in fraud detection efforts. It can quickly and accurately identify company policy violations and duplicate expenses.
Many financial institutions and retail and e-commerce businesses have adopted chatbots to streamline their customer service efforts. Banking apps around the world now offer new support for AI chatbots. Other apps can connect with financial accounts to Facebook Messenger, allowing users to ask questions and perform cancellations through the globally recognized messaging platform.
Fintech is a prime area of application for AI cybersecurity. Artificial intelligence is extremely scalable and can rapidly analyze and process large amounts of data to secure digital systems and protect financial investments and customer assets.
Over the next decade or so, the demand for skilled data scientists who can work with AI in the Fintech sector will increase exponentially as disruptive technology takes hold. Register for this online virtual conference in 2022 before it’s too late to listen to world-class speakers lecture on this topic.
- More Smart Smartphone Apps
AI-powered custom software is appearing in a growing variety of smartphone and tablet apps designed for daily users. It is predicted that by 2022, around 80% of smartphones will have built-in AI capabilities. We compare that to the 10% of devices that currently offer these features.
As of now, available apps that utilize the power of AI to extend their services include Socratic, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Pix. Google Assistant lets users check appointments, search the web, play music, and send messages hands-free. Socratic is an AI-based tutoring app that teaches how to solve math problems by analyzing images of equations.
Microsoft Pix, another popular machine learning tool, uses recent developments in AI to select the best three shots out of ten captured images. The app then automatically deletes other shots to optimize users’ photography skills and save space in their smartphone storage.
- AI Isn’t Just Here To Stay, It’s Poised To Take Deep Root In Our Society
Artificial intelligence is rapidly creating exciting new opportunities in a wide variety of industries and sectors. This is already disrupting many of these industries and is expected to disrupt many more in the years to come.
Public and private organizatons are coming the realization rapidly that, with the just the right structuring and direction, recent advancements in AI can help them generate impactful, positive changes in literally every aspect of human life.
It isn’t exactly known what the future has in store for machine learning and the many brilliant minds behind the implementation of artificial intelligence.