Web3D technologies are revolutionizing the way users interact with 3D content on the web. As the demand for immersive experiences continues to grow, the Web3D 2024 Conference provided a platform for showcasing innovative applications and exploring the future of 3D on the web. This report summarizes the key themes and insights from the conference.

 Objectives

The primary objectives of the conference was to:

1. Present the latest developments in Web3D technologies.

2. Analyze the implications of these advancements for various industries.

3. Identify future research directions and opportunities.

The program included  keynote speeches, panel discussions, tutorials, workshops, industrial use cases, and technical paper sessions. Notable speakers included industry leaders and researchers from prominent companies and academic institutions, who shared their expertise and research findings

1. Emerging Standards and Frameworks: Discussions highlighted the importance of developing standardized frameworks for Web3D content creation, including advancements in X3D, glTF, WebGL and WebXR technologies.

2. Applications in various domains: Presentations showcased the use of Web3D in areas such as education, healthcare, gaming, and virtual reality (VR). Case studies demonstrated how immersive 3D environments enhance learning experiences and improve patient care.

3. Interactivity and User Experience: Several sessions focused on the role of user interaction in 3D spaces. Innovations in user interface design and interaction techniques were discussed, emphasizing the need for intuitive experiences.

4. Integration with AI and Machine Learning: The integration of AI in Web3D applications was a significant theme, with examples of AI-driven content generation and personalization in gaming and virtual environments.

Program:

Keynote Speakers, Summary of Paper Sessions, Academic papers, articles, and resources, Summary of Technical Sessions, Discussions

Pictures 

The insights gathered from the conference indicate a strong trend towards the integration of Web3D technologies across various sectors. The development of standardized frameworks will facilitate broader adoption and interoperability of 3D content. Additionally, the emphasis on user experience and interactivity suggests a shift towards more engaging and immersive applications.

However, challenges remain in terms of accessibility and the technical limitations of current web browsers. Continued research and collaboration among industry stakeholders are essential to address these issues.

Honorable mention to our winners:

Best Papers:

Jens Schneider, James She and Marco Agus - An Efficient Lossless Compression for Depth-Video Streaming.

Sergio Cabrero, Ander Elosegi, Iñigo Tamayo, Ana Dominguez and Mikel Joseba Zorrilla -  Volumetric Video on the Web: a platform prototype and empirical study.

Corrado Cali' and Marco Agus -  NeuroVerse—Immersive exploration of 3D ultrastructural brain reconstructions for education and collaborative analysis.

Humanoid Animation video competition:

1st place winner: Helen’s Secret Band

Yujin Jung, 2023 Graduate of the University of Suwon. https://youtu.be/wX_FxPXqoUY

2nd place winner: The chaotic daily  lives of the two workers 

Min Gyu Jung, 2024 Graduate of the University of Suwon. https://youtu.be/4EbynBIxLTo

3rd place winner: Love of the full Moon

Hyunho Chu, 2024 Graduate of the University of Suwon. https://youtu.be/kdKao1Jc9OU

Thank you to our sponsors: 

ACM SIGGRAPH, Web3D consortium, CCG, 3dMD, Khronos and Metaverse Standards Forum.

Conclusion

The Web3D 2024 Conference highlighted the dynamic nature of the Web3D landscape and its potential to transform how we interact with digital content. As technology evolves, ongoing collaboration and innovation will be crucial to fully realize the benefits of Web3D in various applications.

Web3D 2025,  the 30th International ACM Conference on 3D Web Technology. Co-located with Digital Heritage 2025 from Sept 8-12, 2025 in Siena, Italy.