The boundary between the physical and digital worlds is rapidly disappearing. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), and robotics are no longer developing in isolation, but are converging into one integrated ecosystem. This shift marks a broader trend: the transition from isolated digital experiences to a continuous, spatial digital layer that is woven into the physical world.
While the term “Metaverse” received significant attention in recent years, it has since faded into the background. The concept often evoked images of fully virtual worlds and avatars, but its practical applications remained limited. In its place, the idea of spatial computing is gaining ground. This concept refers to technologies that embed digital information within physical space and vice versa, enabling natural interaction with data, objects, and systems through gestures, voice, or even eye movement.
The adoption of spatial computing is driven by the convergence of multiple technologies. AI enables real-time interpretation of user behavior and environmental data. VR and AR create immersive environments, while XR serves as an umbrella term for all mixed reality experiences. Robotics adds a physical dimension, with intelligent machines operating in spaces enhanced by digital information.
A practical example is the use of mixed reality headsets in industrial settings. Technicians receive visual instructions via smart glasses, while AI systems monitor their actions and provide guidance. In retail, customers can access product information simply by touching an item. In the home, smart devices, robots, and virtual assistants are increasingly integrated, driven by contextual data from the surrounding space.
The implications are far-reaching. From healthcare to education and manufacturing, the way people interact with technology is fundamentally changing. Users are placed at the center of environments where digital and physical elements complement—rather than replace—each other.
As a result of this shift, news about the virtual world, previously published on Rocking Reality, will now be available on the independent news platform Rocking Robots. Here, developments in AI, robotics, and spatial computing come together in reporting on the integration of technology into the physical world.
