In late 2024, we talked about the Metaverse. In 2026, we talk about Spatial Intelligence. This is the technology that allows digital devices to understand the 3D geometry of the world around them.
Digital Twins at Scale
Cities are now creating “Digital Twins”—perfect virtual replicas of their physical infrastructure. By combining IoT sensor data with spatial computing, city planners can simulate traffic patterns, flood risks, and energy consumption in a virtual environment before making real-world changes. For the average citizen, this translates to “Internet of Places” apps: your phone or AR glasses can guide you through a complex subway station or show you exactly which shelf a product is on in a massive supermarket, all in real-time.
The MEMS Revolution
The hardware driving this is the shrinking of sensors. New MEMS-based projection and sensing modules are now small enough to fit into standard-looking eyeglasses. These glasses don’t just show you notifications; they “see” the world, providing real-time translation of street signs or identifying the type of tree you are looking at in a park. We are witnessing the final steps in the disappearance of the computer as it blends seamlessly into our physical reality.
