REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS
FOR AUGMENTED REALITY
Guest Blog Post By Sylest Christopher
So What Is Augmented Reality Anyway?
Augmented reality (AR) can be loosely defined as the use of technology to enhance the physical world environment with the assistance of computer generated images.
Augmented reality creates an enhanced environment that does not really exist.
The purpose of this technology is to overlay an environment over the top of the real world to achieve a deeper experience.
Just like virtual reality, augmented reality enhances the perception of the user about reality.
The only difference is that it happens in a physical world and the user can experience it through an AR enabled device.
What makes augmented reality different from virtual reality is the element of the physical world as it superimposes the real world with the enhanced environment.
The History of Augmented Reality
Augmented reality can be traced back to 1968 when Ivan Sutherland launched “The Sword Of Damocles”.
It was a head mounted display that showed overlaid images a in real time environment.
Though it showed the basic graphics, it was the first example of the augmented reality that made it possible for the people to use a screen to see the superimposed visuals in a physical word.
In today’s world, AR is a reality that exists in many areas of life.
The smart glasses by Vuzix is a recent example of how augmented reality is playing its role in retail, manufacturing, and supply chain industries to assist professionals.
But there is a wider use of this technology in the world.
Whether it is healthcare, real estate, automobile, gaming, or even personal life.
AR is now making its presence felt in every walk of life.
According to a report by Digi Capital, the use of augmented reality in the business sector is expected to reach $120 billion in revenue by the end of this decade.
Now that you know the potential of AR in future, let’s have a look at some of the uses of this technology.
(1) It Assists Medical Students & Professionals In Healthcare Industry
Augmented reality is particularly useful for professionals in the healthcare industry.
Medical students can benefit from this technology to carry out complex medical experiments that involve absolute precision.
For example, students can conduct body dissections on a virtual body and get accurate feedback on their performances.
Similarly, medical experts can make use of augmented reality to perform intricate medical procedures.
They can use AR to get the visual aid needed to perform complicated surgery or diagnose the symptoms of a medical condition.
As you can see, it is now possible to use augmented reality for a wide range of medical tasks.
Whether you are a student who wants to do a medical experiment, a heart surgeon who needs to perform an open heart surgery operation or a laboratory assistant who wants to conduct an MRI.
(2) People Can Use Handheld AR-Enabled Devices In Their Lives
As augmented reality is penetrating into your home, it is changing the realities of your life.
Today, you can use an AR-enabled application on your smartphone to have an idea of the interior design of your bedroom or see through the engine of your car to do a repair.
IKEA is a global brand that manufactures furniture and home accessories.
In 2014, the company launched an AR-enabled app that integrates with the product’s catalog.
The app shows users the superimposed visuals of a piece of furniture in real-time so the user can have an idea about what furniture fits the space of his room.
The idea is gaining rapid popularity in furniture, home décor, and interior design industries.
(3) It Is A Handy Tool For Aircraft Engineers & Automobile Technicians
Aircraft engineers and automobile technicians can use augmented reality just as another tool to make repairs in an aircraft or car.
Aircraft engineers can use the AR-enabled headset to rectify the defects in an aircraft.
This technology can help them see the parts of an engine in a virtual environment and they can take visual cues from the AR-enabled headset to get information about the different parts of the aircraft.
Similarly, the car technicians can use the headset to trace the specific malfunction and make a repair with help from the information they get from an AR-enabled app.
(4) It Is Adds More Fun In The Gaming Experience
Augmented reality is going to be the next big leap in the gaming industry.
There can be nothing more thrilling for gamers than maneuvering the superimposed objects in a real-life world through a screen.
Today, you will find plenty of AR-enabled gaming apps that you can play in a virtual environment using your computer desk or kitchen top as the field.
(5) It Streamlines The Traveling & Tourism
AR serves as a virtual guide for travelers who want to explore a new place.
Nowadays, smartphones are equipped with AR-assisted GPS apps that travelers can integrate into their cars to get directions of a place.
So even if you visit a country for the first time, you will be able to reach the right place thanks to augmented reality.
Similarly, if you are visiting a museum or an ancient site, you can use the AR apps to get micro details about the historical artifacts or relics.
Just like a curator, the app in your mobile device will inform you about the significance of a particular place or give you the details about a specific object in a museum.
The Wrap Up
The aforementioned are some of the uses of augmented reality in today’s world.
I hope, you will find them interesting enough to make use of this technology in your own life.
REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS FOR AUGMENTED REALITY
Meet Sylest Christopher
Sylest Christopher is a Technology Enthusiast, Blogger, and an Online Educator.
She is a reliable and trusted guiding source.
She is an avid reader and likes to read publications on technology, education, and the corporate world.
