IEEE Pervasive Computing explores the role of computing in the physical world–as characterized by visions such as the Internet of Things and ubiquitous computing. Designed for researchers, practitioners, and educators, this quarterly magazine acts as a catalyst for realizing the ideas described by Mark Weiser in 1988. The essence of this vision is the creation of environments saturated with sensing, computing, and wireless communication that gracefully support the needs of individuals and society. Many key building blocks for this vision are now viable commercial technologies: wearable and handheld computers, wireless networking, location sensing, Internet of Things platforms, and so on.

However, the vision continues to present deep challenges for experts in areas such as hardware design, sensor networks, mobile systems, human-computer interaction, industrial design, machine learning, data science, and societal issues including privacy and ethics. Through special issues, the magazine explores applications in areas such as assisted living, automotive systems, cognitive assistance, hardware innovations, ICT4D, manufacturing, retail, smart cities, and sustainability. In addition, the magazine accepts peer-reviewed papers of wide interest under a general call, and also features regular columns on hot topics and interviews with luminaries in the field.

Special Issue on Defining A New Cross Reality: Digital Twins and Mixed Reality Worlds
Submission Date: 2025-01-15

Important Dates

    Title and Abstracts Due: 18 December 2024 (to pvc4-2025@computer.org)
    Full Manuscripts Due: 15 January 2025 (via submission site)
    Publication date: Oct-Dec 2025

Fifteen years ago, IEEE Pervasive Computing published a groundbreaking special issue on “Cross-Reality Environments.” This concept, a fusion of ubiquitous sensor/actuator networks and immersive virtual worlds, envisioned a seamless electronic “nervous system” that connects physical and virtual realities. Since then, we have witnessed exponential growth in pervasive computing technologies, virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR), and the generalization of the digital twin concept from devices to humans and further to virtual worlds. The recent advances break ground for a New Cross Reality that enhances human perception and interaction across real and virtual spaces.

The New Cross Reality considers a unified space, where VR/AR/MR technologies act as the key connectors of sensor data, artificial intelligence, and physical experiences. Despite significant progress, key challenges remain in creating integrated systems that offer seamless interaction and rich user experiences. Similarly, realistic digital twin representations from individual human functions to detailed worlds and their application are open scientific problems with groundbreaking potential. This special issue seeks to revisit and expand upon the original vision, exploring recent developments, current research, and future directions in cross-reality systems.

Relevant topics of this special issue include but are not limited to the following:

    Spatial computing and its role in cross-reality systems 
    Integration of machine learning, AI, and LLM in cross-reality applications 
    Integration of digital twins and virtual worlds with pervasive computing
    Middleware, frameworks, and system support for cross-reality applications
    Interaction design for immersive cross-reality applications 
    Case studies and applications of cross-reality in various domains (e.g., healthcare, education, entertainment) 
    Development and deployment of cross-reality environments 
    User experience and usability studies in cross-reality environments 
    Hardware and software innovation for cross-reality implementation 
    Social computing within cross-reality environments 
    Privacy, security, and ethical considerations in cross-reality systems