Automated 3D world mapping

Starting to mature, the Apple acquisition of C3 is possibly to do with heir own back end database creation, however the technology could also make its way into future consumer products.

Kinect uses an infrared laser and CMOS sensor, mainly commodity. Accurate real time 3D mapping is an enabling technology for workable AR without markers. It needs significant miniaturisation before it fits into smartphones and things like Vuzix SMART Glasses AR sunglasses, but there's a lot of movement by big players, that I think ensures this is coming in the next 5-10 years.

Falls under the general heading of machine sensing, and applies to robots, self driving cars, and many other application areas.