Jack Shaw, a prominent speaker on artificial intelligence, shares his insights on the transformative effects of the metaverse on contemporary business practices. With nearly four decades of experience in AI, change management, and leadership, Shaw has emerged as a reliable authority in the realm of digital innovation. In an exclusive interview, he discusses how the metaverse is reshaping everything from immersive training to virtual teamwork and the necessary infrastructure for implementing these futuristic digital environments in businesses worldwide.
### The Future of the Metaverse and Extended Reality Technologies
When contemplating the future of the metaverse and extended reality, Jack Shaw highlights a vital connection between these technologically advanced concepts. Extended reality encompasses both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). To clarify, virtual reality immerses users in a digital environment through a headset, allowing them to see and hear stimuli that do not exist in their immediate surroundings. This technology enables users to interact as if they were physically together, despite being miles apart, making it particularly useful for various applications, including gaming and training.
Conversely, augmented reality enhances the real world by superimposing digital information onto it. For instance, individuals wearing AR glasses might receive navigational prompts while searching for a store, or even experience historical reconstructions of their surroundings. This technology could evolve to show users what locations or people looked like centuries ago, providing both educational and entertaining experiences.
### Practical Applications of Extended Reality
Shaw emphasizes the practical implications of these technologies for businesses. For example, augmented reality can assist maintenance personnel in complex tasks, such as installing a new fuel injector in an aircraft engine. By utilizing AR goggles, technicians can access step-by-step visual instructions projected onto the engine, enabling them to perform tasks efficiently, even if they have never worked with that specific part before. This not only saves time but also ensures that operations run smoothly without costly delays for airlines.
Another noteworthy application is found in training emergency medical personnel in Austin, Texas. The city developed a virtual reality program for training staff on an ambulance bus (AMBUS), which is designed for large-scale emergencies and cannot be taken out of service for training purposes. Through VR, trainees can familiarize themselves with the AMBUS’s layout and equipment, ensuring they are prepared for real-life situations without needing to physically access the vehicle.
### The Expansive Concept of the Metaverse
At its core, the metaverse aims to create a shared digital space that connects individuals across the globe. Achieving this vision necessitates tremendous computing power and communication bandwidth to facilitate real-time interactions among users, whether they are engaging in virtual games or collaborating on real-world projects. As technology advances, metaverse experiences will be enhanced through visual, auditory, and haptic feedback, allowing users to physically feel their interactions in the digital realm.
Shaw foresees that the next two decades will bring about significant advancements in computing and communications, primarily driven by the rise of artificial intelligence. This progress will not only bolster the capabilities of extended reality and metaverse technologies but will also catalyze widespread changes in our daily lives. He believes that the upcoming years will witness more transformation than humanity has experienced in centuries, if not millennia.
