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Liminal

Reality-Shaping Technologies

Back to researchLaunch project

Tracking signals shaping the future of reality-shaping technologies — spatial computing, immersive systems, sensory overlays, and hybrid presence platforms.

Our Work

  • Research database tracking spatial computing, immersive systems, sensory overlays, and hybrid presence platforms.
  • Each signal assessed for readiness and mapped across categories.
  • Continuously updated with emerging developments.

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Browse the latest from Artificial Insights, our opinionated weekly briefing exploring the transition toward AGI.
Aug 24, 2026 · Issue 145
Aug 24, 2026 · Issue 145
The Country of the Future
Aug 10, 2026 · Issue 144
Aug 10, 2026 · Issue 144
Indistinguishable from Magic
Jul 27, 2026 · Issue 143
Jul 27, 2026 · Issue 143
This Is Fine
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Technologies

Applications
Applications
Assistive Spatial Navigation

XR systems that guide blind, low-vision, and mobility-impaired users through physical spaces

TRL
6/9
Impact
5/5
Investment
3/5
Ethics Security
Ethics Security
Attention Manipulation Safeguards

Technical and regulatory constraints preventing exploitative persuasive design in XR environments

TRL
2/9
Impact
4/5
Investment
2/5
Hardware
Hardware
Augmented Reality

Overlays digital graphics, text, and 3D objects onto real-world views through phones or headsets

TRL
7/9
Impact
4/5
Investment
4/5
Software
Software
Avatar Embodiment Systems

Real-time systems translating human motion and expression into digital avatars

TRL
4/9
Impact
4/5
Investment
3/5
Ethics Security
Ethics Security
Bystander Consent Protocols

Privacy frameworks for people captured by spatial computing devices without their participation

TRL
2/9
Impact
4/5
Investment
2/5
Applications
Applications
Climate Visualization Layers

Augmented reality overlays that render climate data and environmental futures onto physical landscapes

TRL
5/9
Impact
5/5
Investment
3/5
Ethics Security
Ethics Security
Cognitive Liberty Rights

Legal frameworks protecting neural data, mental privacy, and freedom of thought from neurotechnology

TRL
2/9
Impact
5/5
Investment
2/5
Applications
Applications
Cultural Heritage Preservation

Digital replicas of endangered sites, artifacts, and cultural practices using 3D scanning and spatial data

TRL
6/9
Impact
5/5
Investment
3/5
Applications
Applications
Digital Twin Surgery

Real-time AR overlay of patient anatomy during surgical procedures

TRL
7/9
Impact
5/5
Investment
4/5
Applications
Applications
Disaster Response Coordination

Real-time spatial mapping and coordination tools for multi-agency emergency response teams

TRL
6/9
Impact
5/5
Investment
4/5
Software
Software
Embodied AI Agents

AI systems that perceive and navigate 3D spaces like physical or virtual worlds

TRL
3/9
Impact
4/5
Investment
4/5
Ethics Security
Ethics Security
Environmental Impact Accounting

Measuring the ecological footprint of immersive tech from production to disposal

TRL
3/9
Impact
4/5
Investment
3/5
Software
Software
Gaussian Splatting Rendering

Fast photorealistic 3D rendering using millions of soft point primitives instead of polygons

TRL
6/9
Impact
5/5
Investment
4/5
Software
Software
Generative Physics Engines

Machine learning models that infer and adapt physical behaviors in virtual environments in real-time

TRL
2/9
Impact
3/5
Investment
3/5
Hardware
Hardware
Haptic Epidermal Skins

Skin-thin electronic membranes that generate touch, pressure, and temperature sensations on the body

TRL
3/9
Impact
4/5
Investment
3/5
Applications
Applications
Immersive Therapy Environments

XR platforms for exposure therapy, physical rehabilitation, and mental health treatment

TRL
6/9
Impact
4/5
Investment
3/5
Ethics Security
Ethics Security
Indigenous Spatial Protocols

Frameworks ensuring spatial computing respects indigenous sovereignty over cultural heritage and sacred sites

TRL
2/9
Impact
5/5
Investment
2/5
Applications
Applications
Industrial Remote Assist

Real-time AR overlays connecting field technicians with remote experts for guided repairs

TRL
7/9
Impact
4/5
Investment
4/5
Software
Software
Inverse Rendering Engines

Extracts 3D geometry, materials, and lighting from photographs and video

TRL
4/9
Impact
4/5
Investment
4/5
Hardware
Hardware
Light Field Displays

Displays that recreate 3D scenes by controlling individual light rays for natural depth perception

TRL
4/9
Impact
5/5
Investment
4/5
Hardware
Hardware
Neural Interface Headsets

XR headsets with built-in brain-computer interfaces for thought-based control of virtual environments

TRL
3/9
Impact
5/5
Investment
5/5
Hardware
Hardware
Passthrough AR Glasses

Camera-based AR eyewear that reconstructs your surroundings and layers digital content into the view

TRL
6/9
Impact
5/5
Investment
5/5
Ethics Security
Ethics Security
Reality Authentication

Cryptographic verification of AR overlays to prevent malicious content injection

TRL
3/9
Impact
5/5
Investment
3/5
Ethics Security
Ethics Security
Reality Filter Auditing

Logs and discloses every digital overlay modifying a user's augmented visual field

TRL
2/9
Impact
4/5
Investment
3/5