Augmented Reality is the technology that expands our physical world, adding layers of digital information onto it. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), AR does not create the whole artificial environments to replace real with a virtual one. AR appears in direct view of an existing environment and adds sounds, videos, graphics to it.
A view of the physical real-world environment with superimposed computer-generated images, thus changing the perception of reality, is the AR.
Augmented reality has made a huge impact on our everyday lives. Here are a few industries that use AR.
ENTERTAINMENT
AR has an obvious place in the world of gaming, but unlike VR it wasn’t necessarily created with entertainment in mind. However, since the success of Niantic’s Pokemon GO, there’s been a whole lot more interest in augmented games. There are even rumors that there might be a Harry Potter-themed app in the making, which could let players cast spells on real-life items.
RETAIL
Most of the business is using Augmented Reality in marketing and retailing. The customers can visually see the price and product through the AR app. In 2013, IKEA catalog came with an augmented reality application designed to recognize various pages in the catalogs and overlay animated 3D furniture. Using this AR app you can use the camera of the Smartphone and look into the catalog pages and then it visualizes the furniture such as a bed, sofa or dining table. Also, there are sites which show the clothes and their price through their tags.
MARKETING
AR adds life to formerly static marketing mediums. It enables marketers to include 3D animations, video and targeted information into AR-based storefronts, brochures, posters, t-shirts, flyers, and billboards.
Doing so provides a lucrative and seamless experience to the targeted audience.
MANUFACTURING
AR can facilitate and accelerate the building processes at the factory. Project managers can monitor work progress in real-time through AR markers on equipment. Besides, it can save a ton of time using digital maps and plants. Pointing a device into location shows how the piece of a machine will fit the final construction.
MUSIC
The arts are not left behind when it comes to immersive technologies. With the help of the AR application, the tutorials of musical instruments can be created and displayed using visualization. Also, AR technology can help people to watch live performances of their favorite bands and artist. Using a solid green screen, the band can record their live performance which can be viewed in the AR app through your Smartphone. VR will virtually take you to the live concert but AR will bring the concert onto your Smartphone.
HEALTHCARE
There are several AR apps designed to enhance healthcare, including Viipar, a video support platform for surgeons that functions via Google Glass. When performing surgery, a less experienced surgeon can use the app as a guide. Through Viipar, a more experienced surgeon in a different location can show the wearer how to complete the surgery via augmented hands projected onto the patient. Another app is AccuVein, which helps doctors and nurses to find patients’ veins quickly and without causing them any pain.
TRAVEL
From booking hotel rooms and transportation to planning events and outings, augmented reality helps make traveling hassle-free and memorable. The technology can give travelers access to information written in pamphlets and other sources by converting it into useful, spoken conversation. It can offer 360-degree tours of guest rooms, restaurants, meeting facilities, and other venues. And it can empower travelers to plan and anticipate visits to nearby events and places before they even leave the comfort of their rooms.
EDUCATION
Augmented Reality has also helped the people and students to learn and understand their surroundings. The British Museum uses AR technology to help children and people understand their statues. This AR apps use a Samsung tablet and introduce a game that can be played by the children. This app uses the museum’s statue which tells a story about them. AR can be a good learning source for these children. This technology has also been used in classrooms to teach students about practical knowledge of the subjects. They are best suited for technology, math or science.
DEFENSE
The Augmented Reality first real-world application was the heads up display or HUD in fighter jets. Using this technology, symbols are projected onto a transparent screen which shows all the functions similar to gauges but more effectively. It takes away the distraction of the pilot looking at gauges and allows them to aim their weapons better. With this application, it has made easier for a pilot to look for the information digitally without losing their focus on the gauges. Also, the US force research is ongoing which can easily access the territorial information via AR.