AWE 2025: XR Goes Mainstream

The Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2025, scheduled for June 10-12 in Long Beach, is set to spotlight the rapid mainstream adoption of XR technology. This 16th annual event will bring together over 5,000 attendees and 250 exhibitors, emphasizing the convergence of spatial computing and AI in driving XR innovation.

AWE 2025 will feature industry leaders from Meta, Snap, Niantic, Google, Qualcomm, and XREAL, along with keynote speakers like Evan Spiegel (Snap), Nolan Bushnell (Atari), and Palmer Luckey (Anduril). The event will highlight the readiness of XR hardware and tools, with AI playing a crucial role in lowering barriers to entry for creators and developers.

XR Subcommunities in Focus

The conference will showcase three key XR subcommunities: the "Builder’s Nexus," featuring teams using generative AI in global hackathons; the "Gaming Hub," with VR studios and content creators; and the Enterprise XR program, catering to industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.

"XR is becoming the user interface for AI," said Ori Inbar, co-founder of AWE. The event will demonstrate this synergy with over 20 eyewear companies showcasing AI-integrated headsets and glasses, including Snap’s next-generation Spectacles and Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses.

Exhibitor Highlights

Niantic Spatial will debut partnerships and demos for spatial technology in warehousing and immersive entertainment. Qualcomm will present MR & AR demos, while Snap showcases its AR developer platform. XREAL will display its new smart glasses, Project Aura, and the XREAL One Series AR glasses.

Sony XYN will unveil its latest immersive technology, including a glasses-free 3D display and motion capture systems. Auki Labs will showcase AR/AI and robotics solutions, while Cellid’s CEO Satoshi Shiraga will preview breakthroughs in waveguide technology for consumer-grade AR glasses.

The Future of XR and AI

AWE 2025 underscores the growing importance of AI in shaping the future of XR technology. As AI continues to enhance XR capabilities, experts predict wider adoption across industries and everyday applications.

"AWE is a must-attend event for anyone in immersive media, AI, and real-world applications," said Mike Boland of AR Insider. The conference promises to be a pivotal moment in the evolution of XR technology, setting the stage for its mainstream integration.