Augmented Reality
Transforming Our World with Digital Magic
Augmented Reality
Transforming Our World with Digital MagicAugmented Reality (AR) is a technology that has gained immense popularity in recent years, offering a revolutionary way to seamlessly integrate digital information into the real world. AR technology superimposes digital information, such as images, videos, 3D models, or sound, on to the real world. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which immerses users in a completely digital environment, AR enhances the physical world by adding digital elements. This overlay can be achieved through various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, and headsets.
You may be familiar with AR if you have recently purchased or looked at furniture online. Many retail websites/mobile apps offer Augmented Reality to show how a piece of furniture will look in the user’s living spaces – and all users need is their smartphone camera! Alternatively, you may have utilized AR if you have ever used social media to overlay filters, effects and interactive elements onto your photos or videos!
How Does AR Work?
AR relies on a combination of hardware and software to function. The hardware includes cameras, sensors, and displays on devices such as smartphones, tablets, headsets or AR glasses. These devices capture the real-world environment, process the data, and then display digital content on the user's screen in real-time. Software plays a crucial role in recognizing the environment, tracking objects, and aligning digital content with the physical world. AR applications and platforms enable the creation and deployment of augmented reality experiences. These applications use computer vision algorithms to recognize and track real-world objects, allowing digital content to interact seamlessly with the environment.
Impact on Industries
Augmented Reality is reshaping industries by improving efficiency, enhancing user experiences, and creating new opportunities for innovation. The potential for AR's impact is vast, and it continues to evolve and expand its reach. The following are examples of how AR can be and is already being used in different industries:
Real Estate: AR can potentially change the way that homes are previewed. Rather than using VR to tour a property on the computer from the comfort of your home, AR can create a new type of virtual experience for buyers when visiting a property. Potential buyers would be able to use their smart phone to scan a room in the house and with the help of AR, detect the objects and furniture in the room or obtain the room’s dimensions. Then, while standing in the room, they would be able to rearrange the furniture in the room, remove objects, or even replace objects with their own choice of furniture and décor. Such an experience can give potential buyers an idea of what the house could look like if they were to buy it.
Retail: In the retail sector, AR is utilized for virtual try-on experiences or product visualizations, allowing customers to preview products before making a purchase. AR can also be used for interactive product demonstrations and in-store navigation. The Target App has a feature called “See it in Your Space” allows customers to digitally view how objects would appear in their home and the Walmart App lets you virtually try on certain clothing items to give users and idea of how the item will fit. Additionally, Treasury Wine Estates, the vineyard behind 19 Crimes wines have implemented AR into their Wine Labels. By downloading their app and scanning the wine bottle’s label, the face on the label comes to life, confessing their crime. The possibilities for AR in Retail are endless.
Healthcare: AR has transformative applications in healthcare, from surgical training simulations to real-time augmented imaging during medical procedures. It enhances precision and improves patient outcomes, oftentimes with less invasive procedures.
Gaming and Entertainment: AR gaming apps such as Pokémon GO have brought AR to the mainstream, allowing users to hunt virtual creatures in real world locations using their smartphones. Additionally, apps such as Snapchat and Instagram use AR to overlay filters, masks, or little dancing Bitmoji's over the user’s images.
Education: AR is used in educational settings to enhance learning experiences. For example, students can use AR apps to explore anatomy in 3D, bring historical events to life through interactive AR simulations, or explore virtual reconstructions of ancient civilizations.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its promising potential, AR faces challenges such as privacy concerns, technological limitations, and the need for widespread adoption. However, ongoing advancements in hardware, software, and increased investment suggest a bright future for augmented reality in various fields.
In summary, augmented reality represents a groundbreaking technology that blurs the lines between the digital and physical realms. Its applications span various fields, and its impact on industries is profound. As AR continues to evolve, its applications across diverse industries are poised to transform the way we learn, work, and interact with the world around us.
References:
Gillis, Alexander S. (2022, Nov). Augmented Reality. TechTarget: WhatIs.com. Retrieved from https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/augmented-reality-AR. Nov 2023
High, Spencer (2022, Nov 12). Augmented Reality and Generative AI Could Transform Future of Real Estate Marketing. National Association of Realtors: Newsroom. Retrieved from https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/augmented-reality-and-generative-ai-could-transform-future-of-real-estate-marketing. Nov 2023.
The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (n.d.). Augmented Reality Examples: Use Augmented Reality Marketing in Your Business. Columbia Engineering; The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Retrieved from https://bootcamp.cvn.columbia.ed u/blog/augmented-reality-examples/. Nov 2023.