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5 months ago
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It’s fair to say that, when it comes to furthering the relationship between virtual reality and consumers, Brisbane-based tech firm IMRnext not only has the assets, but the expertise to make things happen. In my mind, 2023 is really only the beginning for VR, AR, and AI technologies, and so, to have the opportunity to speak with CEO Ash Kumar ahead of the field’s dramatic overhaul is not only an honor, but a fascinating opportunity to grasp some extensive knowledge straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.
Thankfully, I was able to catch up with Ash to discuss the future of VR, as well as the company’s motives for ushering in a new generation of wireless innovations. Here’s everything I was able to learn from that brief but insightful encounter.
Before we delve into the realm of virtual reality and ground-breaking technological innovations, let’s talk a bit about IMRnext. When was the company established, and how did it all come together?
Ash: IMRnext, formerly known as Immersive Robotics, was established nearly 6 years ago with the objective of developing technology to facilitate UAVs, telepresence, and immersive experiences in various market verticals. The company has focused on delivering low latency wireless solutions, building on its earlier experience in providing such solutions for tech giants. As a result, IMRnext has become a world-leading “low latency Wireless Solution provider” for real-time video data transfer.
Moving on to your wireless platform, “TIVRA” — what can you tell us about it? Also, what inspired you to create it?
Ash: We recognized the powerful potential of our technology and were driven to achieve faster market adoption. Strategically, we aimed to be the enabler for various market verticals to create their own products, which is why we decided to focus on licensing the patented technology through the TIVRA platform. This platform allows other OEMs and enterprises to license IMRNext's patented technology to create custom solutions and products. It comprises three different licensing options: TIVRAxr for creating XR solutions/products, TIVRAsp for developing wireless TVs, gaming monitors, and similar products, and TIVRAav, which enables solutions for high-end projectors and conference rooms, auditoriums, and more. Our goal is to expand the reach and impact of IMRNext's technology across various industry segments, and the TIVRA platform is integral to achieving this.
TIVRA as a licensing platform allows us to make a much bigger impact by enabling our partner network in creating products and solutions and that was the inspiration behind creating TIVRA.
There’s no doubt in my mind that VR will be gearing up to take a huge leap forward in 2024. Tell us, what are your plans for the next twelve months, as a team, and as an individual?
Ash: At IMRnext, we are confident that we will emerge as a major player in the VR industry over the next 12 months. Our confidence is rooted in our ability to offer low latency, high image quality, and a consistent user experience, which are precisely what the industry demands.
As a team, we feel a surge of excitement time we demonstrate our capabilities to potential partners. This excitement and confidence stem from our firm belief in the uniqueness of our offerings. We are thrilled to witness a growing interest from companies seeking to collaborate with us in addressing specific challenges for themselves and their customers.
On a personal level, I see this as an opportunity to solidify our presence in the U.S. market and cultivate a robust network of partners across various sectors. The prospect of tackling new challenges and forging fresh partnerships fills me with enthusiasm.
And what are the goals you wish to achieve as a company? Is there an endgame that you’re working towards, or is the sky well and truly the limit when it comes to VR?
Ash: I agree! The sky is truly the limit for us. VR presents one of the best opportunities to demonstrate our technology and begin commercialization. Our sights are set on much bigger and broader goals with our BeyondVR strategy. We are quickly gaining traction in various product verticals and now expanding beyond consumer electronics. The potential use cases are extensive, reaching industries such as Automotive, Defense, and Healthcare.
Of course, striving to make virtual reality completely wireless isn’t your only goal. As a team, what other services do you provide?
Ash: As mentioned earlier, our objective is to emerge as the leading company for immersive wireless solutions for real-time video data transfer. We are currently in talks with various enterprises, OEMs, and ODMs to deliver a variety of products and solutions. As we establish deeper engagement and relationships within various industries, we can begin addressing specific use cases and develop solutions by licensing TIVRA.
You’ve also established a close-knit network with the likes of Microsoft, HP, and LG. Are there any companies in particular that you’re interested in working with in the future?
Ash: Throughout the years, [we] have collaborated with various companies and dedicated ourselves to nurturing enduring partnerships. We firmly believe that there are opportunities across all industry verticals to form alliances, whether it's to develop tailored solutions or contribute to larger ecosystems by providing seamless wireless experiences and addressing latency issues for our partners. While we refrain from singling out specific companies, we are keen on engaging with technology, automotive, health, and defense leaders, including notable organizations such as Sony, Sharp, Panasonic, GE, Samsung, Tesla, and General Atomics.
For those who are interested in pursuing a career in VR/AR, what advice would you be willing to share? Are there any books, podcasts, or streams that offer an insight into the field?
Ash: As the field matures, its wide range of use cases and applications calls for a holistic perspective on technology and adoption. Beyond hardware, the focus extends to gaming, enterprise applications, service-oriented businesses leveraging AR/VR, and enterprise modeling and engagement. This expanding and maturing landscape offers numerous opportunities for professionals to delve into the ecosystem, with multiple entry points tailored to individual interests. The active and supportive AR/VR community facilitates accessibility for all.
That’s fantastic to hear! Any final words for our readers?
We are thrilled to lead the way in “eliminating wires without compromising the experience,” creating a sense of freedom and immersion in a wire-free world. We invite more companies to collaborate with us and join the movement toward wireless liberation.
Thanks for your time, Ash!
IMRNext’s products and services can be found over on its official website here. For more updates on the team’s projects and upcoming ventures, visit the social handle here.
