A Survey of the Real-Time Metaverse: Challenges and Opportunities

Mohsen Hatami, Qian Qu, Yu Chen (), Hisham Kholidy, Erik Blasch and Erika Ardiles-Cruz
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Mohsen Hatami: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
Qian Qu: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
Yu Chen: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
Hisham Kholidy: Computer Science Department, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA
Erik Blasch: Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, NY 13441, USA
Erika Ardiles-Cruz: Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, NY 13441, USA

Future Internet, 2024, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-52

Abstract: The metaverse concept has been evolving from static, pre-rendered virtual environments to a new frontier: the real-time metaverse. This survey paper explores the emerging field of real-time metaverse technologies, which enable the continuous integration of dynamic, real-world data into immersive virtual environments. We examine the key technologies driving this evolution, including advanced sensor systems (LiDAR, radar, cameras), artificial intelligence (AI) models for data interpretation, fast data fusion algorithms, and edge computing with 5G networks for low-latency data transmission. This paper reveals how these technologies are orchestrated to achieve near-instantaneous synchronization between physical and virtual worlds, a defining characteristic that distinguishes the real-time metaverse from its traditional counterparts. The survey provides a comprehensive insight into the technical challenges and discusses solutions to realize responsive dynamic virtual environments. The potential applications and impact of real-time metaverse technologies across various fields are considered, including live entertainment, remote collaboration, dynamic simulations, and urban planning with digital twins. By synthesizing current research and identifying future directions, this survey provides a foundation for understanding and advancing the rapidly evolving landscape of real-time metaverse technologies, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on immersive digital experiences and setting the stage for further innovations in the Metaverse transformative field.

Keywords: metaverse; real-time metaverse; edge computing; 5G networks; artificial intelligence (AI); virtual reality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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