by Guangyang Fang
From June 10-12, 2025, Guangyang Fang, along with his students Damian Figueroa and Samuel Wiggins, participated in the Augmented World Expo (AWE USA 2025) in Long Beach CA, the world’s largest spatial computing event. Their goal was to explore the cutting-edge innovations in virtual reality and mixed reality (VR/MR) and to identify opportunities that align with their immersive geoscience education project.
With more than 5,000 attendees, 250+ exhibitors, and 450 speakers, AWE USA 2025 highlighted the latest innovations in spatial computing across sectors such as education, enterprise, healthcare, and gaming. A major theme of the conference was the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR), lightweight wearable devices, and enterprise applications.
The team engaged in sessions on spatial computing and AI, met with industry leaders, and explored a wide range of exhibits demonstrating state-of-the-art immersive technologies. These included advanced AR glasses powered by Snapdragon chips such as “Spectacles”—the same kind used by Damian and Samuel to win tracks at the ImmerseGT hackathon back in April this year, innovative VR installations such as Anywhere Bungee VR by Tokyo-based startup Logicality that was awarded Best in Show Playground, and a full-body locomotion treadmill designed to enhance immersion and mitigate motion sickness.
Damian served as a media volunteer for Intercollegiate XR (ICXR), supporting press representatives with interview logistics and communications, while Samuel contributed as a general volunteer of AWE, helping guide attendees and assisting with event coordination.
Their hands-on involvement offered valuable exposure to emerging XR technologies and industry practices. Insights gained at the conference are now being integrated into their immersive education modules designed for platforms like Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro.
