XR technology is evolving rapidly. Today, millions of people use augmented reality and virtual reality in their daily lives. While many popular AR and VR use cases are still in gaming and entertainment, other industries are finding practical use cases unique to their industries.
Extended Reality developments range from innovative hardware to building experiences with advanced technologies and accessible systems. In October, tech giants NVIDIA and Autodesk announced the official launch of NVIDIA CloudXR and Autodesk VRED on Amazon Web Services (AWS), a cloud computing platform for users to run their choice of applications and software.
The joint NVIDIA-Autodesk release is available as a “Quick Start” deployment system on AWS. Virtually any user can take advantage of Autodesk VRED with the powerful NVIDIA CloudXR framework. Embracing a collaborative environment for manipulating and designing high-fidelity, immersive XR experiences on the cloud accelerates the design workflows of industry professionals. Additionally, it advocates accessible extended reality environments, accelerating the adaptability of XR technologies.
Supporting the Future of Accessible XR Technologies
The world’s first virtual reality (VR) machine was built in 1956 (and patented in 1961) – the Sensorama was a cinema booth integrating 3D, audio and video with a vibrating seat for an immersive viewing experience.
Inspired by the Sensorama came the development of the world’s first VR headset in 1961. The Headsight headset was designed for military operations, with motion tracking technology. In 1968, the world witnessed the creation of the first augmented reality headset. Invented by Harvard professor Ivan Sutherland, the Sword of Damocles set the blueprint for generating today’s immersive AR experiences.
See also: Big Tech promotes interoperability with the Metaverse Standards Forum
The long and exciting evolution of XR has not yet reached its turning point: becoming accessible for consumer use. The general public does not yet have direct experience of using extended reality technologies.
The World Economic Forum says user experience is critical to the overall success of many technologies, including XR and the Metaverse. For now, the target demographic is heavily engaged in 2D platforms, sharing and communicating content in 2D format. Web3 developers have yet to find a way for users to relay their immersive experiences.
The importance of collaboration for globally immersive XR experiences
NVIDIA and Autodesk’s joint decision to launch their technologies as a “Quick Start” option on AWS is a step towards bridging the gap between extended reality technologies and consumer use. Users can now run NVIDIA CloudXR and Autodesk VRED to create immersive, high-quality XR experiences anytime, anywhere.
Autodesk VRED is a 3D visualization solution that professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries are familiar with. VRED users design dynamic presentations and interactive environments with real-time 3D assets.
NVIDIA CloudXR is based on NVIDIA RTX technology, delivering seamless delivery of extended reality experiences across various networks, in the cloud, from data centers or mobile data networks.
Anyone can easily access these technologies through AWS Quick Start. VRED users can optimize the design and delivery of immersive XR experiences through NVIDIA CloudXR support with dedicated NVIDIA RTX graphics cards and virtual workstation platforms.
Transformative partnerships to scale XR across industries
The collaborative effort between Autodesk and NVIDIA did not come out of nowhere. In fact, NVIDIA has partnered with various technology and automotive companies to scale extended reality into industrial action.
For example, NVIDIA collaborated with automaker BMW to introduce a digital twin of the brand’s automotive assembly system. This summer, NVIDIA and Autodesk collaborated with Lenovo and Varjo to bring the Porsche Mission R to life with an AR and MR demo.
See also: NVIDIA CloudXR brings Porsche Mission R to life with augmented and mixed reality demo
Germany-based infrastructure company Siemens has engaged with NVIDIA to leverage extended reality and metaverse technologies for production and manufacturing industries. NVIDIA Omniverse enables design of digital twins and simulation of factory workflows.
Autodesk has also collaborated with game developer Epic Games to streamline workflows and tools for AEC designers. In fact, XR headset maker Varjo has worked with Autodesk VRED for AR/VR headset support and remote collaboration through its Reality Cloud platform.
The recent Autodesk University event invited industry professionals to learn more about the CloudXR Quick Start option. The featured courses were led by David Randle, GTM Global Head of Spatial Computing at AWS.