Photo credit: VSP Vision
Future of Senses report from VSP Vision
August 14, 2024
VSP Vision announced the release of “The Future of Senses,” a new report from the VSP Vision Global Innovation Center that showcases the wave of sensory startups and innovations transforming how we experience the world.
“Our goal is to capture how advancements in sensory technologies are improving well-being and quality of life,” said Ruth Yomtoubian, Senior Director of the VSP Vision Global Innovation Center. “Innovators from healthcare to entertainment are providing experiences that seamlessly blend the lines between physical and digital realms. This convergence will not only elevate consumer engagement, but also empower individuals to become more aware of their physical health and performance, including their vision.”
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The Internet of Senses market encompasses technologies designed to enhance and digitize sensory experiences, and it is projected to grow from $16.95 billion in 2023 to $83.6 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by innovation in haptic devices (set to triple in size by 2030), virtual reality headsets and spatial computing (startups securing substantial equity funding), all contributing to an evolving sensory landscape.
Here are the five transformative trends shaping the future of the senses:
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Tech-enabled senses heighten the human experience
Advancements in sensory technology are enhancing, and in some cases, replacing natural senses to allow individuals to achieve new levels of performance and well-being. Innovations like neurostimulation can enhance touch, hearing and vision, while eye-tracking technologies enable hands-free device interaction. Virtual reality is being used for managing chronic pain and treating mental health issues.
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Digitized senses unlock new business value chains
According to a 2023 VML report, approximately six out of 10 consumers desire multi-sensory engagement from businesses with eight out of 10 expecting new experiences. In advertising, multi-sensory campaigns are fostering stronger emotional connections with consumers.
On the retail front, haptic technology enables immersive, tactile experiences in online shopping. In healthcare, digitized sensory diagnostic screenings and tests allow for comprehensive, multi-sensory patient care, enhancing outcomes and patient satisfaction.
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The brain-to-sense relationship aids in disease detection
Eyes have long been a window into overall health, able to reveal more than 270 systemic and chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, aneurysms and blood cancers.
AI is helping further expand this capability by uncovering new ways our senses relate to brain health and by allowing new sense-based diagnostic techniques and tools to emerge – like the detection of cognitive decline through smell and taste and the assessment of brain health through a hearing test.
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Sensory substitution technology supports disabilities
Over 2.5 billion people need at least one assistive product, according to UNICEF and WHO. Innovations like a wristband translating sound into vibrations for the hard of hearing, or AI-navigation glasses for the visually impaired, are empowering individuals with limited abilities to improve how they engage with others and the world around them.
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AI ensures safety through sensory technologies
VSP Vision notes that by integrating AI with sensory technologies, “we can greatly improve human health and security through advanced data processing of inputs such as sound and smell.” For example, certain technologies employ voice authentication to detect deepfake calls, ensuring reliable communication.
Additionally, AI-driven olfactory advancements can identify specific odors, playing a critical role in food safety protocols and bomb detection efforts.
To learn more about the VSP Vision Global Innovation Center, and to download “Future of Senses,” visit vspvision.com/innovation.
