Purdue announces spatial computing hub

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue, in collaboration with Apple, plans to launch a spatial computing hub utilizing Apple Vision Pro in Fall 2025 to enable collaborative research, innovative educational programs and industry engagement. The spatial computing hub will enable innovative training and workforce development for critical fields including semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

A national leader in digital technology research and education through initiatives such as Purdue Computes, which includes four key pillars, computing, physical artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing and engineering, Purdue will use the spatial computing hub to enable innovative training and workforce development for critical fields including semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing, further extending its digital leadership to spatial computing.

In addition, Purdue is developing curriculum and credentials to explore the use of Apple Vision Pro to help students develop essential skills and knowledge in spatial computing. Purdue will create a specialized graduate certificate in spatial computing as part of the existing Master of Science in software engineering and microelectronics developed and offered jointly by Purdue’s College of Engineering and Department of Computer Science. Other credit and non-degree courses, including offerings for technical and nontechnical learners, will also be introduced as the program expands.

“We’re excited to offer programs that use Apple Vision Pro to foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship in the emerging field of spatial computing, which will set up Purdue students to succeed in the future,” said Dimitrios Peroulis, Purdue senior vice president for partnerships and online.

Purdue faculty, research groups, and centers are focused broadly and deeply on areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, digital twins, pharmaceutical development and nanotechnology.

Many of these researchers are already experimenting with augmented reality and spatial computing. Purdue plans to leverage the content and expertise they’ve developed in the creation of the courses by the university’s faculty, instructional designers and video producers.

By integrating Apple’s technology expertise with the new spatial computing hub, curriculum and credentials, Purdue is opening up a new avenue to prepare its students to be the next generation of innovators, ultimately helping shape the future of spatial computing technology.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research university leading with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities in the United States, Purdue discovers, disseminates and deploys knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 107,000 students study at Purdue across multiple campuses, locations and modalities, including more than 58,000 at our main campus in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 14 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its comprehensive urban expansion, the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue Computes and the One Health initiative — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.