Technology is pushing the boundaries of physical verses in the new digital world.
Technological revolution geared up for 2022.
Aspects vary from virtual versions of ourselves to augmented reality.
Businesses must embrace technologies that shape Web3 or the metaverse.
Matterport is leading the digital transformation of the built world.
Our groundbreaking spatial computing platform turns buildings into data making every space more valuable and accessible.
Here are a few of Matterport’s predictions that will take the industry by storm this year.
Mainstream adoption of digital twins
The widespread stay-at-home orders have triggered an extensive adoption of digital twin technology as industries from real estate to retail try to ‘get things done’ virtually.
In 2022, this technology will fall into the hands of consumers as anyone with a smart phone (iPhone or Android) can capture a physical space and immerse themselves in it.
Smartphone access to digital twin technology has primarily caught the eye of real estate agents and holiday rental services.
As these services are rolled out, more creative and innovative uses will come to light.
Digital twins can collect real-time data using sensors from a building which can be used to improve customers’ path to purchase, automation and better air flow.
The evolution of digital twins mirrors evolution of IoT and digital assistant devices.
The idea of having a digital personal assistant seemed mystifying but as the software was adopted by companies like Apple and Amazon, IoT devices and digital assistants have become an extension of our lives, in homes, offices, cars and even hospitals.
Digital twins will follow this pattern. As consumers learn to appreciate what digital twins can offer in 2022, their value will become self-evident.
The rise of the anywhere workplace
While the future of flexible work is fluid, one thing is for certain. Digital twin technology will take virtual offices to the next level in 2022.
From doing 9 to 5 from a villa in Portofino, virtually hot-desking from one of the world’s coolest offices or managing a team 1000-miles away, digital twin technology is at the forefront of the ‘anywhere workplace’ phenomenon.
The ‘anywhere workplace’ will become more accessible for on-the-ground workers.
By capturing a dimensionally accurate 3D digital model of any building, businesses can seamlessly execute a hybrid working model from onboarding and training new members of staff remotely to overseeing projects to ensure staff are working efficiently and safely.
These digital layouts will become invaluable for planning well ahead of time.
Businesses will re-imagine the way customers shop
We’ve spent this year contemplating if patrons will return to bricks and mortar shopping but perhaps the better question is how?
With online shopping more popular than ever, we’ll see an increase in Aussie retailers adopting digital twins to take their virtual shopping experience to the next level in 2022.
Digital twins help bridge the gap between in-store and eCommerce to provide more seamless omnichannel shopping experiences. Think, try before you buy, but virtually.
A recent example is NIKELAND, a bespoke immersive 3D world for Nike fans to connect, create, share experiences, and compete.
In sectors outside retail, tradesmen, for example, can show off their past handywork by capturing immersive digital twins of their most successful projects.
Imagine being able to walk through houses when choosing a builder for a home.
Wholesale distributors can also add an extra layer of accuracy by using digital twins to display exact measurements of products online. You’ve heard the adage that, “There’s nothing like seeing a product up close and personal?” There is now.
Travel assurance you can trust
Digital twin technology will be used in travel to provide travelers with an inside look at a holiday destination or accommodation before committing to a trip and purchasing.
Overall, this provides a whole new level of transparency for holidaymakers.
For instance, luxury travel companies such as Horizon Yachts are embracing digital twins to show wander-lusting Australians what travel could look like in 2022.
As the spread of Omicron threatens any upcoming travel plans, virtual digital twins and the metaverse could become a substitute for international and domestic travel altogether.
A virtual trip to Fiji may suffice, in lieu of the risks associated with overseas trips.
Redefining insurance with AI and VR
The arrival of La Ñina has rained on the parade of sun-lovers across the country.
Aussie insurers are braced for a flurry of flood related claims and the bush fire season.
In 2022, we can expect insurers to increasingly embrace digital twin technology to house historical data and ensure accurate rebates when these disasters strike.
With the introduction of modern technologies like digital twins, claims that can traditionally take days are now taking just hours.
3D digital models of residences, vehicles and valuables saves time and money during the claim process, and allows people to get back to their lives quickly.
AI is used to build predictive models for expense management, high value losses, reserving, settlement, litigation, and fraudulent claims by using complex algorithms.
They compare information from customers to make appropriate recommendations for each risk scenario. AI systems like chat bots can also provide 24-hour service.
Digital twins and AI will transform the way businesses deliver customer experiences and service across a range of industries from travel to retail and insurance.
As the lines continue to blur between the real world and a virtual reality, businesses of all sizes must find their place in the metaverse and adapt their strategies to the latest technology trends to thrive in 2022 and beyond.
Vivian Pan is the Vice President of International Marketing for Asia Pacific and EMEA regions at Matterport.
