Augmented reality is the technology that allows a digital form of images, sounds, or other data, layers directly onto the real environment in real time. Unlike virtual reality, where the whole system immerses a user into an artificial environment, AR increases the view of the real world for the user by fusing virtual elements with the surroundings. Applications of AR can be accessed through various devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, and AR headsets.
Core Aspects of AR:
Hardware:
Device needed to implement AR technology, which:
Display:
smartphones, AR glasses, headsets (i.e., Microsoft HoloLens and Magic Leap), transparent HUDs.
Sensors:
cameras, gyroscopes, GPS, accelerometers, depth sensors. They can detect the position and orientation of the user in the real world.
Processor:
High-performance processors are required for real-time rendering of AR elements.
Input:
Touchscreens, voice commands, motion controllers, and other input means are essential for users to interact with AR objects
Software:
AR employs specific software to project virtual objects onto the real world. AR Development Frameworks – The ARKit is used for iOS and ARCore for Android to build AR experiences.
Most developers rely upon 3D modelling software such as Unity and Unreal Engine to create the visual components of an AR application.
Tracking:
This allows for the proper overlay of virtual elements onto the real world in an AR experience. AR relies on:
Marker-based tracking:
The use of a physical marker such as a QR code to activate an AR experience.
Marker less tracking:
It is the integration of various sensors, cameras, and computer vision algorithms to understand the environment based on observed data coming from sensors, without the need to provide any form of physical markers.
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping):
A technique used by devices to map an unknown environment while working to locate their own location within that environment.
Types of AR:
Marker-based AR:
In this type of AR, predefined markers (images or objects) will activate a virtual display on the device. The camera in the device captures the marker and superimposes digital content onto it in real-time.
Marker less AR:
The term also used for location-based AR, does not use markers but relies on GPS, accelerometer, and compass data regarding the user’s location to give them an AR experience. It is very common in mobile applications such as Pokémon Go.
Projection-based AR:
Projects digital information directly onto the object and spaces to which the user interacts with projected content. It has many industrial and educational applications.
Superimposition-based AR:
AR swaps or adds virtual images on top of the real-world objects. For instance, in medical AR applications, it superimposes a 3D model of an organ on the body of a patient for visualization purposes.
Applications of AR:
Entertainment and Games:
AR is widely found in games, such as Pokémon Go, or in apps like Snapchat and Instagram. Users can use such apps to overlay filters or 3D animations on their faces or in the environment.
Retail and E-commerce:
With AR, users can try out products before buying them. For example, companies like IKEA provide an app on which people can visualize the looks of furniture in their homes.
Education and Training:
AR will enrich the learning experience by offering an immersive educational content. In medical training, for instance, students can take advantage of AR in visualizing and interacting with 3D anatomical models.
Healthcare:
AR allows surgeons to visualize patient anatomy in 3D for planning and simulation of surgery. Medical practitioners also project CT scans or MRI data directly on patients during surgery through AR.
Navigation:
AR in navigation apps provides turn-by-turn instruction by overlaying arrows or information on the real world. The most widespread example is Google Maps AR, which enriches pedestrian navigation with real-time visual instructions.
Manufacturing and Maintenance:
Especially in the aerospace and automotive industries, AR helps to make workers visualize complex assemblies, indicate components that need to be repaired, or give access to manuals at any point in time.
Military and Defense:
AR headsets may feed real-time data, enemy locations, maps, and other combat battlefield-related information to soldiers.
Travel and Tourism:
AR adds richness to travel experiences by providing one with detailed historical and contextual information about various landmarks, artifacts, and historic sites viewed through an AR application.
Real Estate:
Potential buyers of property can view virtual tours of properties, view 3D models, and show renovations that can be made using AR applications.
Marketing and Advertising:
AR is used to create immersive ads and experiences that allow consumers to interact with a brand in new ways. For example, Pepsi’s bus stop AR ad created the illusion of alien invasions or tigers on the street.
Key Benefits of AR
User Engagement:
AR makes interactions more immersive, which increases user engagement and retention.
Improved Learning and Training:
AR can simplify complex concepts by visualizing them in 3D, aid in better understanding.
Cost-effective:
AR can be a cost-efficient way to deliver complex information and reduce the need for physical resources, such as virtual product trials.
Accessibility:
AR helps to make information and experiences more accessible for people anywhere-to tourism and even healthcare-related.
Challenges of AR
Limited Hardware:
Equipment capable of offering an AR experience is often very powerful and perhaps too dear or not commonly found; for example, glasses for AR.
Privacy:
Because AR relentlessly employs cameras and the location, privacy and surveillance issues come to the forefront.
Low Penetration in User Adoption:
While many are having their first experience with AR, others are resistant or even unaware of what AR refers to.
Technical Challenges:
Accurate tracking, latency, and embedding AR in the real world are technical challenges, especially in dynamic environments.
Future of AR
The future of AR seems to be bright with tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Google pouring their money heavily into AR.
The near future innovations include:
Improved AR Glasses:
Within a few years, light AR glasses for consumers will be developed and maybe even revolutionize the way people interact with digital content.
AR:
AR in 5G Networks. Higher speeds and lower latency will take a massive step for further smoother and responsive applications of AR, especially in crowded environments.
AI and AR:
AI can make AR even smarter in object recognition and sharper regarding proper tracking and interactions with virtual elements.
Summary of AR:
From Gaming to Health Care, a Great Future Hold. The technology is changing fast, but there is quite great potential to revolutionize every industry in the following decade.
