RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—VSP has released “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 health care 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.”

The Internet of Senses market encompasses technologies designed to enhance and digitize sensory experiences and is projected to grow from $16.9 billion in 2023 to $83.6 billion by 2030, the company stated. This growth is driven by innovation in haptic devices (expected to triple in size by 2030), virtual reality headsets and spatial computing all contributing to an evolving sensory landscape.

VSP noted that five transformative trends are shaping the future of the senses.

  1. Tech-enabled senses heighten the human experience, which encompasses advancements in sensory technology that are enhancing, and in some cases, replacing, natural senses to allow individuals to achieve new levels of performance and well-being.

  2. Digitized senses unlock new business value chains that, according to a 2023 VML report, show that approximately six out of 10 consumers desire multisensory engagement from businesses, with eight out of 10 expecting new experiences.

  3. The brain-to-sense relationship aids in disease detection. Eyes have long been recognized as 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 the senses relate to brain health and by allowing new sense-based diagnostic techniques and tools to emerge.

  4. Sensory substitution technology supports disabilities with innovations like a wristband translating sound into vibrations for the hearing impaired, or AI-navigation glasses for the visually impaired.

  5. AI ensures safety through sensory technologies integrating AI with sensory technologies, improving human health and security through advanced data processing of inputs such as sound and smell.
More information about the VSP Vision Global Innovation Center, and the “The Future of Senses” can be found here.