Ascott taps into metaverse with launch of lyf Innovation Lab

The lab will develop technologies to deliver cutting-edge experiences to guests in the metaverse.

The Ascott Limited, CapitaLand’s Investment Limited’s (CLI) lodging business unit, has launched lyf Innovation Lab, a project that will power up digital-enabled offerings in the company’s lyf coliving properties.

The project which was created in collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Informatics & IT, will explore, design, and testbed immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies and digital experiences for lyf.

Technologies built under the lab will be tested in the newly-opened lyf one-north Singapore.

One of the projects underway for testing is the expansion of lyf’s coliving experience into the metaverse by harnessing VR and AR technologies to merge the physical world of lyf with the virtual space.

If successful, the technology will be implemented across other lyf properties worldwide.

Ascott said it’s co-developing immersive technologies to deliver cutting-edge experiences in the new interactive metaverse starting with the lyf brand given that 25% of people are expected to spend at least one hour per day in the metaverse according to studies.

“Tapping on VR and AR technologies, lyf is aiming to offer a borderless experience to our guests in the virtual realm,” Tan Bee Leng, Ascott’s Managing Director for Brand & Marketing, said.

“Guests looking for a workout can even spar over a game of virtual tennis and connect with other guests. These virtual experiences will allow guests at lyf to explore, engage and interact with lyf as well as with one another like never before,” she added.