Sharp HealthCare launches spatial computing centre focused on Apple Vision Pro

San Diego-based healthcare group Sharp HealthCare has announced the establishment of a Spatial Computing Center of Excellence within its Prebys Innovation and Education Center. The centre will focus on leveraging the Apple Vision Pro augmented reality headset to enhance patient care. 

In collaboration with EHR vendor Epic and Dutch information analytics firm Elsevier, the project aims to explore the potential of spatial computing to improve effectiveness and productivity in various healthcare specialties and clinical roles. The multidisciplinary research team will assess the impact of spatial computing on collaboration, education, and treatments across different healthcare settings. 

The centre plans to partner with external entities to further develop and test spatial computing solutions for the healthcare ecosystem. The Apple Vision Pro headset is anticipated to have transformative implications for medical practice and delivery, according to Chris Howard, President and CEO of Sharp HealthCare. The larger trend in healthcare includes the adoption of immersive experiences and spatial computing applications, such as Visage Imaging's Visage Ease VP platform and Cedars-Sinai's AI-powered digital therapy platform, Xaia, developed for the Vision Pro headset. 

Additionally, Jolly Good, a Japanese medical VR provider, has introduced a VR-based cognitive behavioural therapy program for the Vision Pro, aimed at complementing chronic pain treatment or providing an alternative non-drug therapy.