From: mk_thisisit
Ryan Poźniak Daniels, a leading app developer, highlights the crucial role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the advancement and future of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies [00:05:31].
The Symbiotic Relationship of AI and AR
Daniels emphasizes that Augmented Reality fundamentally requires AI and machine learning to function effectively [00:05:44]. He explains that AR relies on a field known as computer vision, which is based on AI, making AI the essential foundation for AR to work [00:05:56]. Without AI, AR would not operate [00:06:06].
While acknowledging that AI can solve global issues like climate change, Daniels posits that Augmented Reality will ultimately save humanity [00:06:12], [00:06:16], [00:06:23]. He believes that AR will ensure people remain relevant and important, even with the rise of superintelligence [00:25:36], [00:25:43]. AR expands human perception of reality and can assist with everyday tasks [00:11:00], [00:11:06].
Distinguishing AR/VR from Metaverse
Daniels clarifies that VR is not synonymous with the Metaverse [00:08:14]. The Metaverse is a specific application or use case of VR technology, akin to the virtual world depicted in “Ready Player One” [00:08:17], [00:08:20], [00:08:26]. While the Metaverse allows connection with virtual avatars reflecting real people in a digitally constructed world [00:08:36], [00:08:42], [00:08:45], Daniels never expected the Metaverse to become a significant part of reality, contrasting it with the perceived impact of AI [00:07:37], [00:07:44]. Most people prefer to use AI in reality rather than a virtual world [00:07:50].
Apple Vision Pro and Spatial Computing
Apple invited Daniels to be one of the first app developers for their new augmented reality glasses, the Apple Vision Pro [00:00:00], [00:00:07]. Daniels is currently building new applications for this platform [00:04:08], [00:28:15].
The Apple Vision Pro is unique because it can be controlled by eye movements, voice, and hand gestures, a capability not found in other headsets [00:04:19], [00:04:56], [00:05:16]. It also features a built-in AI that understands user intent within AR/VR structures [00:05:08], [00:05:11].
Apple refers to its AR work as “spatial computing” rather than “augmented reality” [00:09:43], [00:09:50]. This concept means users interact with technology that connects with their surrounding physical space [00:09:52], allowing them to easily place virtual objects into their real environment for visualization [00:10:03].
Real-World Applications of AI and AR/VR
Daniels’ experience spans several significant projects demonstrating the integration of AI, AR, and VR:
NASA - Lunar AR Interface
At 22 years old, Daniels led a research team in a NASA competition to invent a new type of augmented reality application interface for astronauts on the moon [00:11:45], [00:11:48], [00:13:53]. His team was accepted by NASA to create a special interface for AR glasses that astronauts will use during future lunar missions [00:12:21], [00:12:29]. This interface will be integrated into astronaut helmets, allowing them to monitor vital parameters like oxygen levels and determine directions for movement [00:12:44], [00:13:03]. Daniels highlights that AI is a crucial method for exploring the moon and other planets [00:13:07], [00:13:11]. He believes AR will facilitate humanity’s future exploration and habitation of other planets [00:13:19], [00:13:30].
SpaceX - Astronaut Training VR
Daniels has also collaborated with SpaceX to develop a Virtual Reality application designed to educate people on what it’s like to be an astronaut [00:14:43], [00:14:51], [00:14:55]. This application, experienced through VR glasses, simulates space colonization, visits to space stations, and the overall experience of being an astronaut, helping people explore space [00:15:01], [00:15:11], [00:15:52].
Snapchat - AR Filters
At 17, Daniels was invited by Snapchat to create one of the first augmented reality filters for their application [00:16:11], [00:16:15], [00:16:18]. He was among the first programmers to gain access to Snapchat’s filter creation tools [00:16:39], [00:16:41]. He developed an AR experience that transforms the user into an astronaut by displaying a virtual helmet when the phone is held in front of them, and a rocket launches if they open their mouth [00:16:51], [00:16:55], [00:17:07]. His work on augmented reality filters for Niantic (Pokemon Go producer) in a hackathon led to a documentary about him [00:02:16], [00:02:20].
Medical Training - Neurosurgery VR
Daniels contributed to a revolution in medical training by co-creating one of the first interactive educational tools for Stanford University, designed to teach neurosurgery using VR technology [00:09:09], [00:09:11], [00:09:13], [00:09:15], [00:09:18], [00:09:24]. He envisions doctors using AR in hospitals to visualize X-rays and analyze medical data in new ways [00:08:55], [00:08:58].
The “Magic” of AI and AR
Daniels perceives augmented reality and mixed reality as akin to “magic” [00:23:58], comparing it to how people viewed Edison’s electric light bulb [00:24:01], [00:24:05]. He notes that while many people are more drawn to AI, this is likely due to more extensive research [00:24:46], [00:24:51]. He believes this will change significantly with the market entry of Apple Vision Pro [00:24:57], [00:24:59].
Future Prospects and Personal Mission
Daniels’ personal mission is to democratize AR and VR for everyone [00:25:04], believing that just as mobile phones became ubiquitous globally, AR/VR glasses will too, potentially replacing the iPhone in the future [00:21:49], [00:21:59], [00:22:42]. He holds optimism for the future of AR and VR, despite some concerns about excessive human dependence on Artificial Intelligence [00:25:12], [00:25:16]. He reiterates that AR will ensure humans maintain an important role as active participants in the world, keeping it human [00:25:47], [00:25:54].
Daniels was inspired to pursue AR/VR by Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario games, who told him that the future of games and exciting technology lies in virtual and augmented reality [00:20:01], [00:20:13], [00:20:25]. This convinced Daniels to specialize in these technologies, believing they are the future that will push society forward [00:20:45], [00:20:50].