As we approach 2025, Manchester Digital is excited to share Picturing 2025 - a series of essays from our members offering insights into the tech trends and challenges ahead. Below, CloudGuard AI share their hopes for next year around Spatial Computing.
As a CTO who’s navigated the tides of technological disruption, I can confidently say this: spatial computing is no fleeting trend. It’s a fundamental shift in how businesses operate, connect with customers and innovate.
Spatial computing blends augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and the Internet of Things (IoT). This bridges the gap between the physical and digital.
The numbers speak for themselves: the spatial computing market is projected to surpass $200 billion by 2025. The question isn’t if this technology will redefine industries, but how.
Why This Matters Now
You don’t have to be a futurist to see the potential. Tech giants like Apple and Meta are already shaping this space. Apple’s Vision Pro is a bold statement about how we’ll interact with technology in the next decade. Similarly, Meta’s Horizon Workrooms are revolutionising remote collaboration, creating virtual spaces where team members interact as though they’re physically together.
To some these may seem like gimmicks. But in reality, they are setting the standard for how businesses will function in an increasingly hybrid world.
From Factory Floors to Virtual Showrooms
The beauty of spatial computing is its versatility. Across industries, it’s increasing efficiencies and creating opportunities that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
Manufacturing and Design
- Iterating on product designs without ever creating a physical prototype? Companies like Ford are already using AR to refine designs faster, cutting costs and speeding up production cycles. With spatial computing, what used to take weeks now takes days.
Healthcare
- Training for complex surgeries often comes with high stakes. Enter VR simulations, an immersive, risk-free environment where medical professionals can practice procedures with precision. It’s no surprise that healthcare organisations using this technology report up to a 20% improvement in surgical outcomes.
Retail
- Virtual fitting rooms allow customers to try on clothes without stepping into a store, and AR apps let you see how furniture looks in your living room before you buy. What’s the impact for businesses? Brands using AR report a 94% higher conversion rate.
The Risks We Can’t Ignore
With great innovation comes great responsibility. Spatial computing opens up new vulnerabilities, and businesses must prepare for them.
Data Privacy Concerns
- Eye-tracking technology might feel like a breakthrough for user experiences, but it comes with risks. That data could be exploited for manipulative advertising or worse, surveillance. Given that 95% of purchasing decisions happen subconsciously, this kind of information becomes a goldmine for exploitation.
Cybersecurity Threats
- In VR environments, the stakes are higher. The adult content market alone is projected to hit $19 billion by 2026, opening the door to sextortion scams and malicious deepfakes. For businesses, the risk extends to fraud and reputational damage.
These challenges aren’t reasons to shy away, they’re calls to act. Strong cybersecurity measures and ethical standards will be essential when adopting this technology.
The Inflection Point Is Here
The early adopters of spatial computing are already reaping the rewards. Businesses integrating these technologies are reporting increased efficiency, better customer engagement, and new revenue streams. According to McKinsey, companies that invest in advanced tech early see an average ROI of 25% higher than their competitors.
Take remote collaboration as an example. Traditional video calls are functional but lack a sense of presence. With spatial computing, teams can meet as holograms, interacting in ways that feel natural and dynamic. It’s a redefinition of what “remote” work can mean.
What Leaders Must Do Today
How can businesses get started with this technology?
Invest in Skills
- Technology is only as good as the people using it. Training teams to navigate and innovate within this space will be a critical step.
Rethink Workflows
- What processes can be improved with spatial computing? Whether it’s product design, customer service, or employee training, identifying the right use cases is key.
Collaborate with Caution
- Choose partners who prioritise security and ethical standards. This technology’s risks demand a careful, informed approach.
The Future Beckons
Having seen multiple waves of technological disruption, from the rise of the internet to the AI revolution. I can confidently say that spatial computing is different. It’s not just a new tool that people will forget about once the hype is over. It’s a new way of thinking about business interaction.
The companies that embrace this shift will redefine what’s possible. Those that hesitate may find themselves left behind in a world where the boundaries between digital and physical no longer exist.
As leaders, the decision is ours to make. Are we ready to lead in this new era, or will we watch from the sidelines?
By Javid Khan, CloudGuard, CTO
