Introduction
You know what they say – technology is only as good as its real-world applications. And when it comes to augmented reality (AR), there’s no shortage of ways to use this game-changing tech. AR is finding its way into various industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to education and beyond.
And as the hardware catches up with the demand, we’re seeing more great AR applications hit the market. From fun and funky filters on Snap Spectacles to killer mobile AR experiences that let you try on clothes or furniture, there’s no limit to what this tech can do. As a business, AR can solve different problems related to your operations and contribute to its growth.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented Reality is like mixing reality with a sprinkle of digital magic to create a new world. With AR, we can make virtual images appear over real-life objects, calling it a mixed reality. It’s like building a live experience by using digital objects. You can interact with these objects as if they’re there, right in front of you.
Here’s how it works: first, you need a device that supports AR, like a smartphone or tablet. Then, you point the camera at the real-life object where you want to add a digital touch. The device scans the thing, measures its distance, and places the digital image over it. And voila! You have an enhanced version of reality as real as the world around you. AR is a game-changer, and it’s taking our world by storm!
Examples of Augmented reality in everyday life
1. Photography and Editing
Have you seen those mind-blowing videos on the internet where tattoos seem to come to life and change colors right before your eyes? The magic happens when you download special software onto your device and use it to scan the tattoo. The software generates an algorithm that places a virtual, moving, and color-changing video over the tattoo’s surface. So, it’s not the tattoo itself that’s changing color, but rather the incredible AR video that’s making it look like it’s alive!
2. Fashion
If you’re an avid online shopper, you’ve probably experienced the agony of ordering a piece of clothing that looks perfect online but turns out to be a total dud in real life. Using augmented reality, different brands allow you to see how clothes look on real-life models before purchasing. No more guessing about size or fit, and no more disappointment when your order arrives. And with COVID-19 making, it is challenging to work with models in person.
3. Healthcare
Who would have thought AR glasses could be a game-changer in the medical industry? But they are, and they’re not just for looking cool! These glasses take healthcare to the next level by allowing doctors and surgeons to visualize a patient’s internal organs with a switch. That’s right; they can project X-rays and CAT scans onto the patient’s body, making surgeries more precise. They can access patient records in real-time without even taking their eyes off the task. With Google Glass, doctors can work hands-free, access training videos, and even use annotated instructions for guidance.
4. Gaming
Game developers are stepping up their games by experimenting with more immersive and experiential features. Take Pokémon Go, for example. Released in 2016, this game brought AR to the masses, allowing players to import their favorite game characters into their real-world environment. Today, Pokemon Go and similar games are part of everyday vs every day life of people around the world.
5. Snapchat
Snapchat is the ultimate destination for peeps looking to spice up their selfies with sick filters! Well, now let me tell you how it works. It’s all thanks to the genius of augmented reality and artificial intelligence. First, the app uses AI to detect your face, and then, like magic, it digitally adds the filter to your look.
6. GoogleAR apps
Google Maps has an AR feature that lets you hold up your phone and see arrows and directions overlaid onto the streetscape. This way, you won’t get lost and end up in a completely different city. You can also use AR in Google Search to bring animals, planets, and other objects to life in your own space. Want to see a giant panda in your living room? Just search for it on Google. Google Lens is another AR tool that lets you identify objects, learn about landmarks, and translate text in real time, all through your phone’s camera lens.
7. logistics
If you think delivering stuff is easy, think again! Logistics businesses rely heavily on getting things to the right place at the right time, which is where AR comes in. Nowadays, logistics workers use cool AR glasses to access digital packing lists and get the quickest and most efficient route for speedy delivery.
8. Advertisement
Get ready to be blown away by some of the most creative Augmented Reality ads. Companies use AR to create unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impression on their audiences. One example is Pepsi’s “Live For Now” campaign, which took the world by storm. The ad transformed a simple bus shelter display into a live-like experience by overlaying virtual assets onto a live street feed.
9. Education
With AR tools, teachers can give students immersive learning experiences that break down complex concepts and make them easier to understand. Imagine seeing a 3D model of a heart in front of you during a biology lesson or following step-by-step instructions for a chemistry experiment right in front of your eyes. Remote learning becomes a breeze with these smart glasses, as teachers can provide live guidance and support hands-free.
10. Architecture and Design
With specialized AR apps, professionals in the construction and architecture industries can easily visualize their designs and plan out their projects in intricate detail. They can even take a virtual tour of the finished product to ensure everything is up to code and working as it should.
11. Defense
When it comes to aerospace and defense, time is money. That’s why AR is becoming increasingly popular in this industry. With AR, companies can accelerate repair processes, increase production rates, and ensure the smooth onboarding of personnel. Also, the defense sector uses AR glasses to access critical information like instructions hands-free.
12. Remote Collaboration
Remote maintenance workers use augmented reality to connect and collaborate and thus provide faster issue resolutions. These glasses allow employees to access remote training, get expert assistance, and even perform remote inspections without the need for costly travel expenses and wasted commute time.
Conclusion
Augmented reality is taking the world by storm, breaking down conventional physical and digital barriers, making the ecosystem more efficient for a wide range of businesses and prominent sectors like education. AR is going global, and so is the interest of globally renowned organizations in the industry. Businesses are jumping on board and making crucial businesses like banks use AR to streamline their production and maintenance processes. E-commerce retailers are growing their engagement rapidly by creating killer shopping and user experiences with the power of augmented reality. It’s a game-changer transforming our lives, work, and how we interact with the physical and digital elements of this world. If you are looking to add AR to your work as well, the no-code AR platform, PlugXR is the best place to begin creating AR experiences, all without a development team.
