Microsoft is making a bold move into the industrial metaverse space, according to information teased at the Microsoft Inspire 2023 event. The company, as part of its AI Cloud Partner Program, will support the growth of industrial metaverse solutions and related technologies. While specific details are still scarce, Microsoft plans to reveal more information about its industrial metaverse journey in 2024.
The partnership between Microsoft and leading technology companies aims to innovate AI, Cloud, and Metaverse solutions, with the goal of increasing enterprise end-user productivity, resiliency, and sustainability. Additionally, Microsoft offers a curated learning path to help end-users familiarize themselves with workplace XR technology.
In order to power the industrial metaverse solution ecosystem, Microsoft is leveraging several emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning, analytics and data, mixed reality, simulation, and cloud to edge capabilities. These technologies, such as Microsoft Co-Pilot, Azure Databricks, HoloLens 2, and Azure Arc, will empower workforces and enhance their experiences within the metaverse.
Microsoft plans to launch a public preview of its industrial metaverse in early 2024, providing more insights into the initiative.
Microsoft’s foray into the industrial metaverse comes at an opportune time, as studies indicate that audiences are ready for the technology. The European Commission has also launched a regulation initiative to foster competition among enterprise-grade metaverse service providers, recognizing the potential growth of the market from €27 billion in 2022 to over €800 billion by 2030. The EC aims to connect virtual world developers with industry users and promote digital skills, business, infrastructure, and public services through its metaverse guidelines.
Siemens, another major player in the industry, is investing heavily in enterprise-grade metaverse solutions, with a commitment of approximately €1 billion. The company intends to position itself as the center of global technology activities for the industrial metaverse, further driving innovation in the space.
Microsoft’s move into the industrial metaverse signifies the company’s ambition to be at the forefront of technological advancements. As the metaverse continues to evolve, Microsoft’s participation will undoubtedly shape the future of this immersive digital world and its applications in various industries.
