Curious how today’s technologies evolved—and how science fiction helped shape them? We warmly welcome you to attend our open lecture at Helsinki XR Center on April 22, 2026, where R&D Manager Santeri Saarinen explores the evolution from early computing to AI, mobile networks, gaming, and XR. Discover how these once-separate innovations are converging into immersive systems that are transforming how we live, work, and interact.
The lecture is free and open to everyone, but requires preregistration. Save your spot here!
Where do today’s technologies really come from? And how have sci-fi stories like ‘War of the Worlds’ and ‘Snow Crash’ not only predicted the future, but inspired researchers to turn those imaginative, high-tech visions into reality?
Join us at Helsinki XR Center on April 22, as our Research & Development Manager Santeri Saarinen takes us on a historic journey through the evolution of technological innovations in a lecture titled “From Sci-FI to Reality: A Historical View of Converging Technologies”.
Lecture Overview
During the afternoon, we’ll explore the fascinating parallels between fictional visions and the technologies we use today. Zooming out to the bigger picture, we’ll see how breakthroughs in computing, networks, gaming, and extended reality are converging into what we now call immersive systems.
We’ll take a closer look at the main developments in the following areas:
- From WWII to AI today: How early wartime computer technology evolved into chatbots, smart homes, and intelligent systems.
- The rise of the internet & mobile: The shift from slow connections to 5G, and how smartphones transformed communication.
- Virtual worlds & gaming: From the first video games like Spacewar to shared digital spaces and multiplayer experiences like Pokémon Go.
- XR and spatial computing: Tracing the evolution of immersive interfaces—from Sensorama’s multisensory vision to today’s advanced headsets like Apple Vision Pro.
We’ll wrap up by looking at today’s interconnected world, where once-separate technologies are converging into powerful, immersive systems that are changing how we live, work, and interact.
Who Can Attend
This lecture is open to all Metropolia staff and students, and anyone curious about digital technologies, where they come from and how they are shaping our future. Attendance is free, but requires preregistration.
When & Where
📍 Location: Helsinki XR Center, Hämeentie 135 A 3rd floor, 00560 Helsinki
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 12:00-14:00
🎫 Secure your spot here: Reserve Now
Stay Updated!
Follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to the Helsinki XR Center Newsletter for all the latest news and events.