Published on: December 30, 2024 / Update from: December 30, 2024 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
From AR to AI - everything that doesn't already exist: intelligent glasses, smart glasses, AI glasses, AR glasses, VR glasses, MR glasses and XR glasses - Image: Xpert.Digital
From AR to AI – insights into the world of modern glasses
The rise of modern high-tech glasses
From AR to AI – modern technologies in glasses format are causing more and more attention these days. While just a few decades ago hardly anyone thought of using glasses as multifunctional devices that could provide information about our surroundings, transport us to virtual worlds or enrich our field of vision with digital content, this has now become a reality. Today there are a wealth of different eyewear concepts available: from intelligent glasses to smart glasses to AI glasses, AR glasses, VR glasses, MR glasses and XR glasses. But what is behind all these terms and why will our future be increasingly characterized by such high-tech devices? Below is a detailed insight into the different types and functions of modern glasses, their backgrounds, possible areas of application and an outlook on future developments.
Smart glasses: information in the field of vision
“Imagine being able to access information on the go without looking at a smartphone display.” Visionary predictions about the future of wearable technologies used to be something like this. In fact, this future has now largely arrived, because anyone who wears intelligent or smart glasses can have useful data continuously displayed in their field of vision. This often involves practical navigation tips, weather information, news updates or reminders. The key difference between conventional glasses and smart glasses lies in the additional computer unit that is integrated into the frame or receives commands via a wireless connection. Many models respond to voice commands or hand gestures, meaning that users are less and less dependent on external devices in everyday life.
Wearable Computing: The technology behind smart glasses
These functions are based on so-called wearable computing technologies, which focus on using small, wearable devices to support people with digital tools without significantly disrupting their everyday lives. Smart glasses are often about a certain level of assistance in everyday life: “You can see things that you would otherwise access via your smartphone, immediately in your field of vision,” say supporters of this technology. This eliminates the need for time-consuming steps - this can be particularly practical if you want to quickly take a look at a map or the list of upcoming appointments while on the go.
AI glasses: intelligence in action
AI glasses represent an improvement on this idea: artificial intelligence is used in them to offer the wearer far more complex functions. AI systems can analyze what you see in real time. For example, they recognize faces, objects or texts that appear in the field of vision and promptly provide the user with relevant additional information. People with visual impairments benefit from AI glasses by being able to describe objects that they would otherwise not be able to recognize.
Applications of AI glasses: health, maintenance and ethics
AI glasses also provide valuable services in professional environments, for example in medicine or maintenance professions. During an operation, doctors can view imaging data on their display, and technicians can view step-by-step instructions without having to take their eyes off their work. “AI opens up new horizons,” say experts who are testing the use of such glasses. At the same time, issues such as data protection and ethical guidelines are important because AI glasses that continuously scan their surroundings collect significant amounts of image and environmental data. Transparent disclosure of how the data is used and security concepts are therefore essential.
AR glasses: expanding the real world
In addition to intelligent and AI-supported glasses, there are other concepts that partly overlap and partly address specific areas of application. AR glasses (augmented reality) allow digital information to be overlaid on the real world. You can imagine this as an additional layer that places virtual objects in the field of view.
Examples of use for AR: shopping, tourism and industry
Anyone wearing AR glasses could, for example, see historical information about buildings when he or she takes part in a city tour: Virtual markings appear on the buildings with interesting background information. AR could also be used for shopping by receiving additional data about products or placing furniture virtually in your living room before you decide to buy. “Augmented reality expands our perception” – that’s how supporters characterize it. AR is particularly helpful in industry because factory employees can see in real time which component needs to be assembled at which point, reducing error rates and making work processes more efficient.
VR glasses: Complete immersion in virtual worlds
In contrast, with VR glasses (virtual reality) you can immerse yourself in completely virtual worlds. There, the real environment is completely hidden, so that users move in a simulated environment.
VR in gaming and education
While AR still uses reality as a basis and only displays supplementary content, with VR the main focus is on the illusion of another world. The possible uses are diverse: In the gaming sector, VR glasses enable particularly intense gaming experiences in which you can move freely, grab objects or carry out certain interactions. But VR is also increasingly being used in education: “Imagine if you could experience the human body from the inside,” say experts who work on VR learning programs. In a virtual simulation, students can look at cell structures, examine anatomical organs or even relive historical scenes as if they were actually there. Through spatial experience, knowledge and connections are often better remembered.
MR glasses: The combination of AR and VR
The MR glasses (Mixed Reality) combine elements from AR and VR. It can display completely virtual environments as well as overlay real objects with digital content. The transition between reality and virtuality is more seamless, blurring the boundaries between both worlds.
Areas of application for MR glasses: Architecture and industry
Mixed reality is particularly helpful when it comes to complex simulation scenarios. For example, an architect could use MR glasses to play through various building plans in real space: He looks into an empty plot of land and sees what the planned building would look like in real size - but at the same time can change the facade color, adjust the floor or even different architectural styles in the blink of an eye try. In the automotive industry, prototypes can be built and examined virtually before a real model is created. “Mixed reality brings the best of both worlds together,” emphasize experts who work on such concepts.
The XR glasses: A revolution in the digital age
XR glasses are an umbrella term for all extended reality technologies, i.e. augmented reality in the broadest sense. XR includes AR, VR, MR and all hybrid forms that are developing or still in the future. The term XR is gaining in importance because the technologies are developing rapidly and often result in hybrid forms. Some people simply speak of “extended reality” to describe all types of games. Even if XR may sound like science fiction, many aspects can already be used in real life and are becoming increasingly widespread in certain sectors of the economy and in the leisure sector.
Challenges and social debates
A key question with all of these eyewear technologies is: How do they influence our lives in the long term, and what are possible future scenarios? For some, intelligent, smart or AI-supported glasses are just practical tools that make our everyday lives easier or offer more entertainment. For others, they pose a certain potential for danger, for example through an increasing dependence on digital helpers or through the constant recording and evaluation of our surroundings. AI glasses in particular could trigger a controversial discussion in the future if they recognize faces on the street and display information about passers-by - and thus invade the privacy of others. “We have to create clear rules so that technological progress does not come at the expense of our social values,” are the demands of critics who demand responsible application.
Potential for increasing quality of life
At the same time, these technologies have enormous potential to improve the quality of life. People with disabilities can act more independently with the help of AI glasses. VR and AR technologies can be used in therapy or rehabilitation to train movement sequences or simulate anxiety-provoking situations in a safe environment. The social sector could also benefit from XR, for example by holding virtual meetings with lifelike avatars so that older or immobile people can participate more in social life. Teachers could use AR glasses to create more vivid lessons, and thanks to AR and VR, doctors can gain realistic insights before carrying out real procedures.
Future developments and possible applications
“We are only at the beginning of a new era,” say many technology experts. In fact, there are a number of unexplored applications that we don't yet know whether they could become part of everyday life in just a few years. It would be conceivable, for example, to have AR glasses that show us the air quality or noise level while we are on the move, warn us of sources of danger or suggest alternative routes in critical situations. Game developers could offer VR experiences in which multiple people act simultaneously, increasing social interactions in virtual spaces. In the art and culture industry, XR opens up new forms of expression in which exhibitions are expanded with digitally superimposed art objects. Future generations of glasses are likely to be lighter, more powerful and increasingly attractive in design. At some point, XR glasses could even be integrated into our everyday lives without being perceived as bulky or conspicuous.
Economic perspectives and challenges
From an economic perspective, these technologies are also an exciting field that attracts investors and companies. New start-ups are springing up and established companies are expanding their portfolios in order to adapt to upcoming trends at an early stage. At the same time, research is in demand because many technical challenges have not yet been fully solved. For example, the development of powerful batteries that keep weight and size low, or scaling production costs so that such glasses become affordable for a wide range of the population. “Innovations should reach people, not just a small elite,” is the credo of some industry experts. But this path requires time, money and commitment.
Social issues and ethical concerns
In addition, the question arises as to how we want to deal with these technologies in societies. Should children have early access to VR and AR experiences, or does this pose risks to their development? How do you design guidelines so that, for example, AI glasses do not secretly take photos or collect personal data without those affected knowing? What if people find virtual reality more attractive than the real world and prefer to spend time in digital spheres? The debate about this has long since begun and will continue to gain in importance the more these technologies find their way into our everyday lives.
The future of XR technologies
One thing is certain: from AR to AI and beyond, developments in the eyewear sector are rapid and impressive. Chunky prototypes are increasingly becoming everyday helpers, and the fascination with virtual or extended environments remains unbroken. We can't wait to see what awaits us in the next few years and decades. Perhaps one day our digital and physical realities will merge so much that we will hardly be able to distinguish where the border is - if there even is one anymore. “The future is flexible, and technology is the tool that we have to learn to use correctly,” say optimists, pointing out that with every new invention we also take on new responsibilities.
In conclusion, it should be noted that behind the various names - intelligent glasses, smart glasses, AI glasses, AR, VR, MR and XR glasses - there is one thing above all: the constant development of our way of seeing and learning and to connect with our environment. There is no doubt that these high-tech glasses will accompany our lives for a long time. Whether they serve as everyday assistants, take us into strange worlds or enrich our awareness of reality with virtual stimuli - we are only at the very beginning of a development that will, in the truest sense of the word, change our view of the world.
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