Creating Extended Reality (XR) Applications on AWS

Introduction

This blog post introduces readers to creating extended reality (XR) applications on Amazon Web Services (AWS). As XR technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) continue to advance and become more accessible, their potential to transform various industries and applications is undeniable. AWS offers robust services and tools that empower developers to harness XR and create immersive and engaging experiences.

We will explore three main areas:

1. Integrating Generative AI in XR development
2. Using AWS services for XR utility applications
3. Implementing WebXR-based ecommerce solutions

By exploring these areas, we showcase AWS’s versatility and capabilities in supporting diverse XR application development and deployment.

Using Generative AI in XR Development

Generative AI can revolutionize XR development by enabling rapid 3D model, texture, environment, and animation generation, enhancing visual quality and realism. AI-powered behavioral models simulate realistic interactions with non-player characters, while procedural generation techniques create dynamic and unique environments. Natural language processing facilitates intuitive voice interactions and dialogues.

Additionally, Generative AI can personalize experiences based on user preferences, adapt content for enhanced learning, automate repetitive tasks, assist in code generation and optimization, and streamline testing and debugging. This improves development efficiency and user experience in XR applications.

AWS offers Generative AI and machine learning services to assist developers:

Content Creation: An AWS blog with sample code demonstrates using Amazon Bedrock to call Amazon Titan Image Generator which takes user text and generates detailed visuals. You can also leverage other Bedrock models like Stable Diffusion. The generated images can serve as static 2D imagery for personalization within XR applications.

Behavior AI: Amazon Bedrock offers large language models like Claude (by Anthropic) and Llama (by Meta) that can simulate realistic and dynamic interactions with non-player characters. These models can generate human-like dialogue, making NPCs more engaging and believable.

Natural Language Processing: Use Amazon Transcribe for speech-to-text and Amazon Polly for text-to-speech. Then leverage Bedrock’s Llama and Claude models to summarize user speech, enable conversations, or make API calls. See the examples on this AWS blog and another sample code for voice conversations supported by Amazon Bedrock.

Code Assistance: Amazon Q Developer is a code assist tool which aids XR application development by providing code explanations, context-aware suggestions, snippets, and code completions. It supports popular IDEs like VS Code and JetBrains, as well as languages preferred by XR developers, such as C#, C++, and JavaScript.

XR Utility Applications on AWS

XR utility applications leverage XR capabilities to enhance productivity, efficiency, and functionality across domains. For example, Caddy is a 3D CAD visualization tool using hand tracking, gestures, and poses. Users can view parts in real size and simulated environments as if manufactured. Another compelling example is Pfizer’s implementation of virtual reality training for their manufacturing facilities, which accelerated the employee onboarding process and contributed to increased production of life-saving vaccines. These instances illustrate how the rise of XR technology has enabled organizations to recognize its immense value in boosting productivity.

AWS enables developers to focus on building immersive, interactive XR experiences without complex server management and scaling issues.

We recommend using AWS Amplify and serverless services for XR utility application back-ends. Amplify integrates with AWS services, allowing implementation using only the Amplify SDK. It provides authentication, API, data management, storage, and analytics capabilities, working seamlessly with AWS Lambda and Amazon API Gateway.

AWS Lambda builds serverless back-end services for real-time data processing, event handling, and integration with AWS services or third-party APIs. Amazon API Gateway creates and manages APIs, allowing secure access and data manipulation from databases, storage, or external APIs. Lambda and API Gateway pair well for these use cases.

An AWS blog with sample code demonstrates how to create a VR application with user insights using AWS Amplify and WebXR. Similarly, another AWS blog with sample code showcases leveraging Amplify and serverless technology to build a WebXR app; much of the back-end can be reused for utility applications.

Ecommerce on AWS with WebXR

Ecommerce growth has transformed how consumers shop and interact with products. A recently study by Statista, projects global ecommerce sales will surpass $8 trillion by 2027, up from $5.8 trillion in 2023. Traditional online shopping can still feel disconnected from the physical world. XR technologies like VR and AR hold significant potential to enhance the ecommerce landscape by providing immersive experiences bridging digital and physical products. A McKinsey survey found 50% of consumers interested in using VR or AR to virtually try or interact with products before purchasing. Virtual demos and 3D visualizations allow realistic, intuitive product evaluation, driving sales and satisfaction.

As businesses incorporate XR into ecommerce offerings, they can use AWS to support WebXR application development. WebXR enables creating AR and VR web browser experiences without specialized hardware or software. AWS provides a robust, scalable infrastructure to host and deliver WebXR-powered ecommerce experiences, ensuring seamless performance and accessibility across devices and platforms. Integrating services like Amazon CloudFront for web 3D content delivery, Amazon S3 for 3D file storage, and Amazon Pinpoint for analytics, offers a comprehensive, streamlined WebXR online store solution. Importantly, the cross-platform compatibility and accessibility of WebXR-based applications powered by AWS enable ecommerce businesses to reach a wider audience and provide an inclusive shopping experience, further enhancing their competitive edge in the dynamic and evolving ecommerce landscape.

Conclusion

This post explored creating XR applications on AWS, from leveraging Generative AI to enhance development, to building productivity-boosting utility applications and to implementing WebXR-powered ecommerce solutions. AWS provides versatile services enabling diverse XR experience development and deployment.

The AWS ecosystem’s robust, scalable infrastructure and comprehensive services empower developers to bring XR visions to life, whether creating immersive 3D environments, intelligent virtual agents, or seamless ecommerce experiences.

We encourage exploring AWS offerings and diving deeper into the highlighted services and use cases. By tapping AWS’s power, you can unlock XR’s full potential and deliver innovative, engaging experiences.