## Appendix: Insights on Spatial Computing and AI (Deloitte Tech Trends Context) Deloitte recently released their [Tech Trends 2025 report](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/tech-trends.html). There is a revealing article within the report focusing on Spatial Computing being a central trend. [Read in full here](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/tech-trends.html#spatial-computing-takes), or browse this Summary Appendix below for points relevant to Previsualisation in Theatre. #### Contents - [[#Introduction|Introduction]] - [[#Spatial Computing: Beyond the 2D Screen|Spatial Computing: Beyond the 2D Screen]] - [[#The Intersection with Artificial Intelligence|The Intersection with Artificial Intelligence]] - [[#Implications for Theatre Visualization|Implications for Theatre Visualization]] - [[#Conclusion|Conclusion]] ### Introduction Deloitte's annual Tech Trends reports highlight key technological forces expected to shape industries in the near future. Recent reports (around 2024-2025) consistently identify **Spatial Computing** and the pervasive integration of **Artificial Intelligence (AI)** as major transformative trends. Understanding these trends provides valuable context for considering the future possibilities of visualization and planning within theatre production. ### Spatial Computing: Beyond the 2D Screen Deloitte identifies Spatial Computing as a significant trend involving the blending of the physical and digital worlds to create more intuitive and immersive ways for humans to interact with data and machines. Key aspects include: - **Merging Physical & Digital:** It moves beyond flat screens, using technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), sensors, [[LiDAR]], image/video analysis, and IoT data to create and interact with 3D digital representations that mirror or augment the real world. - **Industrial & Enterprise Focus:** While consumer AR/VR gets attention, Deloitte notes significant impact in industrial settings through applications like **digital twins**, **spatial simulation**, **augmented work instructions**, and **collaborative digital spaces**. - **Contextualized Data:** Spatial computing allows data to be presented within its real-world context, enhancing understanding and engagement. - **Evolving Interaction:** It incorporates voice, gesture, and more natural human inputs alongside traditional methods. The market is projected to grow substantially. ### The Intersection with Artificial Intelligence AI is seen not just as a parallel trend but as deeply intertwined with and enhancing spatial computing: - **AI as Foundational:** AI, including Generative AI, is becoming fundamental to enterprise IT and product development. - **Enhancing Spatial Computing:** AI transforms spatial computing from primarily a visualization or training tool into a potential **profit center capable of real-time, advanced data analysis and automated adjustments** within the spatial context. - **"Spatial Intelligence":** The combination allows AI to understand and operate within three-dimensional space, enabling applications like dynamic optimization of physical layouts (e.g., warehouse logistics) or complex simulations (e.g., stress tests). - **Data Dependency:** The effectiveness of spatial AI depends heavily on large quantities of specialized, high-quality 3D data for training models. - **Diverse AI Models:** Both large language models (LLMs) and smaller, purpose-built AI models working together are seen as important for specialized tasks, security, and efficiency. - **Onboard AI:** AI models are increasingly embedded directly into hardware (PCs, edge devices, IoT) for localized, offline processing, enhancing capabilities in areas like robotics or medical devices. ### Implications for Theatre Visualization These trends strongly resonate with the challenges and potential solutions discussed throughout this exploration of theatre production: - **Digital Twins & Simulation:** The emphasis on digital twins and spatial simulation directly aligns with the need for better pre-planning tools in theatre to manage complexity and reduce late-stage integration issues. - **Enhanced Collaboration:** Collaborative digital spaces and contextualized data visualization offered by spatial computing could significantly improve communication between disparate theatre departments and remote team members. - **AI-Powered Insights:** AI's potential to analyze complex spatial data, optimize workflows, or even assist in diagnostics within integrated platforms could help manage the increasing technical demands and information overload in modern productions. - **Future Workflows:** The vision outlined by Deloitte suggests a future where interacting with complex production plans becomes more intuitive, data-driven, and potentially automated in helpful ways, moving beyond current 2D limitations. ### Conclusion Deloitte's analysis positions Spatial Computing, significantly amplified by AI, as a foundational technological shift impacting how businesses interact with both the digital and physical worlds. While challenges around data, skills, and implementation exist, the potential for creating more immersive, collaborative, context-aware, and data-rich planning and operational environments has clear parallels and potential applications for evolving theatre production workflows.