Amazon announces "Sumerian" assisting tool for browser based VR / AR development

A tool that can develop 3D applications of VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) on a browser while receiving advice of AI without requiring advanced knowledge such as 3D modeling and coding "Amazon Sumerian"Was announced.

Amazon Sumerian - Build VR & AR applications
https://aws.amazon.com/jp/sumerian/?tag=cnet-vig-news-20

Amazon Sumerian lets you build VR / AR spaces in a browser - with an AI guide | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/11/amazon-launches-browser-based-tool-for-making-vr-and-ar-apps/

Sumerian is a tool built on Amazon's cloud service "AWS", which means that interactive VR / AR contents can be created only by using tools and assets (assets) prepared in the browser. The created content can be browsed by browsers supporting WebGL or WebVR, and can be operated on VR headsets such as Oculus Rift and HTC Vive and on iOS terminals. In the future, similar functions will be available on Android terminals as well.


As an actual use case, there are applications in which "classrooms" dedicated to employees of their own company are created in virtual form, and contents necessary for various kinds of training are prepared so that real training can be carried out and planned for construction There are cases such as virtual tour of the interior of the building, and it seems possible to apply it to e-commerce etc. Materials necessary for content creation are prepared in advance, and users can build virtual space by arranging them with a feeling like grabbing the material by hand. Also, it is possible to place people, furniture, landscapes etc. that actually move in the space, and it seems that it is possible to create advanced VR / AR contents without expert knowledge.


The following sample room can easily experience a part of its ability. Although it seems that this is not all the contents displayed, it seems that it can also be experienced as a VR content as indicated by the icon of the goggle in the lower right, as well as being able to move inside by dragging the room around in the browser.

Amazon Sumerian View Room - Sumerian


In addition to the above content, Amazon Sumerian can also develop games. In addition to multiple AR platforms, Apple 's AR framework for iOS "ARKit" support, will further support Google' ARCore "and game development platform" Unity ", the situation available It is going to expand significantly.

When creating content, first select "Scene".


In the newly created field, drag & drop the items with the drop.


Items that can be placed are prepared in advance, and it is also possible to import your own 3D data in FBX format or OBJ format.


Of course, you can change the position and angle of the items you placed.


In addition, Amazon Sumerian provides AI assistant "Lex" and "Polly" corresponding to human by speech recognition, it can be a game or shopping opponent.


The created scenes are saved on the AWS cloud and can be accessed from anywhere with the unique URL given.


At the time of writing the article, Amazon Sumerian has been released as a preview stage, and you need an AWS account to use it. Applications can be made from the link below, but for the time being we will be offering it by invitation system.

Amazon Sumerian Preview
https://pages.awscloud.com/amazon-sumerian-preview.html