“Co (existent) Spaces”is where interoperability between physical and virtual world technologies produce an amalgamation of bespoke experiences that synthesize the benefits of both physical and virtual worlds.


The Co-Space environment will see interaction moving from web ‘pages’ to web ‘places’ - where sentient technology will coordinate with a myriad of other self-aware objects to give consumers exactly what they want, when they want it.


In such an environment, the boundaries of cyber and physical spaces will blur; with intelligent networks and interactive solutions revolutionising the way we store and access our information. Such simultaneous interaction between the physical and virtual environments will enrich physical experiences, and pave the way for more immersive, emotional and engaging encounters that will change the way we live, work, play and interact with each other.


Co-Space is expected to define the next generation Web, where physical places; enabled by ubiquitous computing, smart interfaces and new augmented realities, coexist with dynamic, real-time virtual environments to provide users with the ability to process and manipulate information seamlessly between the both the physical and virtual space.


The aim is to engage the user beyond the current constraints of a physical computer interaction to provide a truly interactive experience of merged realities. The vision of Co-Space is to integrate key elements of interoperability, metadata and automation with ambient sensor based intelligent networks, social robotics, haptics and geo-aware computing into a truly mixed reality technology offering.


The Co-Space programme is anchored in Singapore, and through the efforts of the Interactive Digital Media R&D Programme Office ([www.idm.sg]) of the National Research Foundation ([www.nrf.gov.sg]) will investigate a new paradigm of search, data access, navigation, and the analyzing of multi-modal, geospatial and temporal data in an enhanced human-computer-interface. Special attention will also be given to explore ways to “democratize” the process of creating this world, by enabling individuals, institutions, and commercial interests to participate.