As part of our continuing series of updates from Facebook Reality Labs Research, we’ve shared how our researchers are designing lifelike avatars for VR and showcased our latest work in brain-computer interface and spatial audio and enhanced hearing. Today, we’re excited to unveil Project Aria — a new research project that will help us build the first generation of wearable augmented reality devices.
A spectacular challenge
Imagine a pair of glasses that add a 3D layer of useful, contextually-relevant, and meaningful information on top of the physical world. Such a device could help us perform everyday tasks better — like finding your keys, navigating a new city, or capturing a moment; but it could also open up an entirely new way of moving through the world. Smartphones are amazing devices, and they’re getting better all the time.
But at Facebook Reality Labs, we’re envisioning a time when we have all the benefits of connectivity (and more), without the need to keep our heads and our eyes down, looking at a device. Imagine calling a friend and chatting with their lifelike avatar across the table. Imagine a digital assistant smart enough to detect road hazards, offer up stats during a business meeting, or even help you hear better in a noisy environment. This is a world where the device itself disappears entirely into the ebb and flow of everyday life.