Facebook is no longer just a social network, but a company that develops technology in many fields. One of the most concrete examples of this is their work on virtual reality and artificial intelligence, which we have previously published on our blog. They shared the most read articles for the year 2020 under the headings of ‘Artificial Intelligence’, ‘Virtual and Augmented Reality’, and ‘Engineering’. And I have compiled them for you.

Artificial Intelligence

  1. Using artificial intelligence to improve tourism : For the first time, they combined artificial intelligence, social media, and anthropological research to discover how tourists shape the aesthetic heritage of cultural heritage sites. They measured foot traffic and activity along the Inca Trail in Cuzco, Peru. Using computer vision and statistics, they conducted research on how popular a site is and how people move between locations.
  2. 3D photos: How they work and how anyone can take them : Artificial intelligence, combined with Facebook’s proprietary software, worked to produce 3D photos that capture a person’s experience with seamless movement and depth. Design managers shared tips on how to make 3D images look good on a smartphone or a VR headset.
  3. How AI is accelerating MRI scans : They worked with doctors to accelerate MRI scans using AI. They showed that fastMRI images made with AI from roughly one-fourth of the raw data could replace normal MRIs. This was an important step toward clinical acceptance.

Augmented reality and virtual reality

  1. The future of work and the next computing platform : They are developing a computing platform powered by AR and VR to provide the necessary tools to enrich daily work experiences. They stated that they achieved some goals this year using AR, VR, and AI to reshape interaction with work.
  2. Feel the groove: Beat Saber and SUBPAC bring VR rhythm game to the hearing impaired : Beat Saber co-developer Jaroslav Beck incorporated the SUBPAC tactile audio system into the game to enrich the experience for people with hearing loss. This allows them to feel the music in addition to hearing it.
  3. Oculus plays ‘Lies Beneath’, a survival horror VR experience : Lies Beneath is a survival horror game set in a dark and dangerous realm where the player feels like they are stepping into a comic book.
  4. Citizen diplomat for the underwater world : Laura James created a VR training tool to help others identify ocean artifacts. VR-powered exploration provides an opportunity to dive deep into the underwater world, helping people connect to these areas.

Engineering

  1. Facebook’s hyperscale data center heats Odense : Powered by 100 percent renewable energy, this data center was designed to heat homes and buildings in the local community by recovering the low-temperature heat generated by servers. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=355173915388795
  2. Facebook Disaster Maps help those affected by Australia’s unprecedented bushfires : Disaster Maps provided real-time information to help relief workers determine where people were and what resources they needed most.
  3. Discovering new ways to support connectivity : They started offering the Discover service in several countries, including Peru, Thailand, and the Philippines. This app allows people to browse any website with a free data balance.