Imagine walking into your living room, pointing your phone at an empty space, and watching as a full-size couch materializes before your eyes, seemingly right in front of you. Or picture looking at a machine in a factory and receiving step-by-step repair instructions that float next to the machine, guiding you through each stage. These experiences are made possible by spatial computing, an innovative technology that merges the physical and virtual worlds.
Spatial computing is revolutionizing how we interact with the world around us, leveraging motion sensors, computer vision, and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. It creates more natural, intuitive ways to interact with applications and digital information. What once felt like science fiction is quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives, with the spatial computing market expected to grow to around $100 billion in the coming years.
In this article, we’ll explore real-world examples of how spatial computing is enhancing user experiences across industries and look at the top SDKs (Software Development Kits) that developers are using to build innovative spatial apps.
What Is Spatial Computing and Why It’s Changing User Experience
According to Statista, the idea of spatial computing environments emerged to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds. Spatial computing is a technology that overlays digital information onto the physical world, enabling devices to understand their environment and respond to movement, gestures, voice commands, and more. This technology allows us to place digital content in the real world and interact with it in a more realistic and contextually relevant way.
At the heart of spatial computing are AR and VR technologies, which rely on sensors, cameras, and advanced software to track movement, gestures, and even the user’s gaze. One of the most successful early examples of spatial computing is the game Pokémon GO, which achieved over 200 million downloads within months of its release. Even today, it remains a top performer, with more than 8.2 million downloads globally in Q4 2024.
Why Spatial Computing Matters for User Experience
Spatial computing enables more natural and intuitive interactions with digital content. Instead of tapping on a screen, users can reach out to grab a 3D object, look at something to learn more, or move around to better view or interact with digital content. This leads to:
More natural interactions: Users engage with technology using their hands, voice, or even eye movements.
Immersive simulations: Digital content feels as though it’s truly part of the physical environment.
Smarter apps: Devices can respond to a user’s location, movements, and even gestures, adapting to the user’s environment.
Real-Life Use Cases Across Industries
Retail
Spatial computing is transforming shopping by making it more fun and personalized. Apps allow customers to try on clothes virtually, visualize how furniture will look in their homes, or even test out makeup without physically applying it.
For example, IKEA allows customers to view virtual furniture in their homes through an app, helping them make better decisions before making a purchase.
Other ways spatial computing is being used in retail include:
Interactive displays: Respond to customer movements.
Personalized offers: Based on location and shopping history.
AR-enhanced product information: Shown through augmented reality.
Healthcare
In healthcare, spatial computing enables doctors and students to interact with 3D visualizations in real time. Surgeons can see 3D images directly on a patient’s body using AR, which provides better clarity than traditional 3D images displayed on monitors. Medical students can practice surgeries in VR, enhancing their learning while keeping patients safe.
Some benefits of spatial computing in healthcare include:
More precise surgeries.
Better medical training using realistic simulations.
Improved rehabilitation through interactive guidance.
Manufacturing and Maintenance
Spatial computing improves safety and efficiency in factories. Workers can wear smart glasses that display real-time instructions and visual data on the machines they are working on, reducing errors and improving productivity.
Key benefits include:
Live data overlay: Such as temperature or warning signs.
Predictive maintenance: Prevents machinery breakdowns.
Hands-free support: Allows workers to follow instructions while staying focused on their tasks.
Education and Training
Spatial computing is revolutionizing education by making learning more interactive and immersive. Students can explore 3D models of human anatomy, solar systems, and historical landmarks. VR-based training also enables individuals to practice high-stakes tasks, like flying or emergency response, in a safe, controlled environment.
Examples include:
Interactive virtual science labs.
Realistic flight and emergency simulations.
Mixed reality classrooms.
Entertainment and Gaming
Spatial computing is significantly enhancing the gaming and entertainment industries. With VR headsets like Meta Quest, players can immerse themselves in fully interactive 3D environments, while location-based AR games like Pokémon GO bring the digital world to life in real-world locations.
Notable examples include:
Fully immersive VR games.
Location-based AR games.
Mixed reality concerts and events.
Architecture and Real Estate
In architecture and real estate, spatial computing helps clients visualize buildings and homes before they are constructed. Virtual tours of properties, digital floor plans, and on-site AR applications help real estate agents and buyers make informed decisions.
Key benefits:
Virtual property tours.
Early detection of design issues.
Enhanced collaboration during construction projects.
Spatial Computing SDKs: The Tools Behind the Magic
Spatial computing SDKs (Software Development Kits) are development environments that provide developers with the necessary tools to create applications where the physical and digital worlds converge. These kits include libraries, APIs, and testing environments that simplify the development process.
These SDKs help developers by:
Mapping and understanding the physical environment.
Placing 3D digital objects in real-world locations.
Tracking user movement and interactions.
Supporting hand gestures, eye tracking, and voice commands.
Without these SDKs, building spatial computing apps would be much more challenging and time-consuming.
Key Spatial Computing SDKs
Here are some of the most popular spatial computing SDKs used by developers today:
Apple visionOS SDK
Apple’s visionOS SDK is designed for building apps for the Apple Vision Pro headset. It allows developers to create immersive, high-fidelity AR experiences that integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem.
Best for:
Immersive productivity apps, media experiences, and utilities.
Integrating with the Apple ecosystem (iOS, macOS, iPad).
Key Features:
Eye and hand tracking.
3D windowed and full-screen environments.
Integration with SwiftUI and RealityKit.
Microsoft MRTK (Mixed Reality Toolkit)
Microsoft’s MRTK is an open-source SDK for building mixed reality apps, primarily for the HoloLens, but also compatible with other Unity-supported platforms.
Best for:
Enterprise and industrial apps.
Fast development using Unity.
Key Features:
Gesture and voice interaction.
Spatial mapping and awareness.
Cross-platform support.
Meta Presence Platform
Meta’s Presence Platform is the SDK for developing apps on Meta Quest headsets. It enables developers to create immersive social and gaming experiences using hand tracking, voice input, and mixed reality passthrough.
Best for:
VR games, social apps, and fitness experiences.
Key Features:
Full-color passthrough.
Hand tracking and voice input.
Shared virtual spaces.
Niantic Lightship ARDK
Niantic’s Lightship ARDK is the SDK behind popular games like Pokémon GO. It focuses on location-based AR and helps developers build apps that interact with real-world locations.
Best for:
Outdoor AR games.
Shared, multiplayer AR experiences.
Key Features:
Real-time environment mapping.
Multiplayer AR features.
Support for both iOS and Android.
Comparative Table: SDKs vs. Use Cases
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| SDK | Best For | Platforms | Key Features | Use Cases |
|---|
| visionOS | High-fidelity AR apps | Vision Pro | Gaze, gesture, RealityKit | Media, productivity, spatial UI |
| MRTK | Enterprise, healthcare | HoloLens, Windows MR | Hand tracking, voice, spatial maps | Training, surgery, field work |
| Meta Presence | Social & VR content | Meta Quest | Avatars, passthrough, shared spaces | VR meetings, games, social hubs |
| Lightship ARDK | Geo-based AR | iOS, Android | VPS, multiplayer, meshing | Outdoor games, tourism, marketing |
Choosing the Right SDK
When selecting an SDK for your spatial computing project, it’s important to consider factors such as:
Platform compatibility: What devices will your app target?
Technical capabilities: Does the SDK support the features you need?
User experience: How will users interact with your app (hand gestures, voice, etc.)?
For instance, if you’re developing for Apple Vision Pro, the visionOS SDK is ideal. If your project involves enterprise or industrial training, MRTK is a strong choice. For location-based AR or multiplayer experiences, Niantic’s Lightship ARDK is best suited.
Future Horizons for Spatial Computing
As spatial computing evolves, the boundary between the physical and digital worlds will continue to fade. The way we interact with technology is on the brink of a transformation — shifting from tapping on screens to using natural gestures, voice commands, and even eye movements.
Natural Interfaces Will Dominate
Future apps will rely less on keyboards and touchscreens, focusing instead on intuitive inputs:
Eye tracking to control menus or focus on content.
Gesture recognition to move, grab, or resize digital objects.
Voice control for hands-free navigation.
These interfaces will make digital interactions feel as natural as speaking or moving in the real world.
Smarter Spatial Awareness
Upcoming spatial applications will become increasingly aware of their environment:
Devices will detect objects like furniture, walls, and even people.
Apps will adjust content dynamically, such as moving digital objects aside when someone walks past.
Virtual assistants may provide relevant information based on your context — like explaining a painting you’re looking at in a museum.
Seamless Multi-Device Experiences
Users will be able to switch between devices effortlessly — starting a project on a smartphone and continuing it in AR without missing a beat. The continuity between phones, tablets, headsets, and wearables will be key to delivering unified spatial experiences.
Persistent Digital Worlds
Spatial computing will support persistent virtual objects that remain in the real world over time:
A digital sticky note on your fridge stays there even after restarting your device.
Virtual workstations or tools remain arranged in your living room, ready whenever you return.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Designers and developers will focus on inclusive spatial UX, ensuring that people of all abilities can access and benefit from this new technology. Expect customizable gestures, voice interaction, and support features built into every app — making spatial computing experiences widely usable.
Why Choose Progressive Robot for Spatial Computing Development?
Progressive Robot brings over two decades of expertise in delivering tailored software solutions — and now, we help companies unlock the full potential of spatial computing.
Whether you’re looking to build an immersive training simulation, an interactive AR shopping experience, or a scalable cross-platform VR app, our development team knows how to bring your vision to life using industry-leading SDKs like:
Apple visionOS SDK
Microsoft MRTK
Meta Presence Platform
Niantic Lightship ARDK
Our approach ensures your application is built for performance, user engagement, and future-ready interaction. If you’re ready to turn spatial computing into a competitive advantage, we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is spatial computing in simple terms?
Spatial computing is technology that merges the real and digital worlds. It lets users interact with 3D digital content as if it were physically present, using gestures, voice, and other natural inputs.
Does spatial computing differ from AR or VR?
Yes and no. AR and VR are types of spatial computing. Spatial computing is the umbrella term that includes the technologies, sensors, and software needed to power AR, VR, and mixed reality experiences.
Where is spatial computing technology used today?
Spatial computing is already used in industries such as:
Healthcare: surgery simulation, diagnostics, patient education
Retail: virtual try-ons, interactive product displays
Education: immersive learning and training environments
Manufacturing: hands-free maintenance and 3D work instructions
Entertainment: immersive games, concerts, and events
Do I need special devices to use spatial computing apps?
Not always. Many AR apps run on smartphones and tablets. However, for full spatial experiences (like VR simulations or AR overlays), you’ll need specialized devices such as:
Apple Vision Pro
Microsoft HoloLens
Meta Quest headsets
These devices include sensors to track your movements and understand the surrounding environment.
What are spatial computing SDKs and why do they matter?
SDKs are toolkits developers use to build spatial applications. They provide essential components such as:
Hand and gesture tracking
Spatial mapping
3D rendering and spatial audio
SDKs save time and help ensure apps perform well across different devices.
How do I choose the right SDK for my project?
It depends on your project’s goals, target users, and hardware:
Use Apple visionOS SDK for Vision Pro apps in media or productivity.
Choose MRTK for enterprise tools or training simulations.
Opt for Meta Presence Platform for VR or mixed reality games.
Go with Lightship ARDK for mobile AR and outdoor experiences.
Is spatial computing only for large companies and tech teams?
Not anymore. Thanks to open-source SDKs, smartphone-based AR, and more accessible hardware, spatial computing is available to small businesses and independent developers too.
Final Thoughts
Spatial computing is not just a futuristic concept — it’s here, and it’s transforming how we shop, work, learn, and play. From immersive training environments to location-based mobile games, the technology is reshaping human-computer interaction at every level.
Whether you’re a business exploring new digital experiences or a developer building the next generation of apps, understanding spatial computing — and choosing the right tools like visionOS, MRTK, Presence Platform, or Lightship — is key to staying ahead.
If you’re ready to explore the power of spatial interaction and immersive environments, reach out to Progressive Robot — your trusted partner in building cutting-edge spatial computing solutions.