We’re aware that it is virtual reality that gets all the glitter and glory, whereas augmented reality stays somewhat in the shadows. The reason is simple, VR looks more spectacular than AR, especially since it is used more frequently in the gaming industry.
However, when it comes to business all that glitters is not gold. Thus, today, we’d like to explain why we dote on augmented reality mainly (although if you wanted to use VR with our platform, we wouldn’t say no, and we’ve got such use cases in our portfolio as well).
Augmented reality is a relatively new technology that has come a long way from sci-fi concepts (the grandiose idea mentioned in 1901 by American author Frank L. Baum) to properly functioning systems (in the nineties).
Augmented reality combines real and virtual worlds, allows users for real-time interaction with them, and accurate registration of both real and virtual objects at the same time. What is often highlighted is the immersive aspect of digital elements. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which presents a purely computer-generated world, augmented reality doesn’t shut the user off from the outside world. Only altering the real world, it allows them to perform real actions. AR is often accompanied by computer vision and object recognition technologies to open up even more possibilities.
Advantages of the AR technology in the business environment lie primarily in:
All the above make AR a perfect solution for business applications, supporting employees and clients in their daily endeavors and choices.
Just a few years ago, augmented reality was associated mostly with the entertainment sector. However, the AR market potential grows every year, and currently, the technology is eagerly used in highly specialized industries as well, such as manufacturing, construction, aerospace, automotive, medicine, and logistics. The global augmented reality market is estimated to be worth $198 billion by 2025 (per: Statista). Together with virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things (IoT), AR is identified as one of the fastest developing technologies.
Changes taking place concerning Industry 4.0 result in a search for solutions to improve efficiency, quality, and inventiveness of products or services. The demand for highly qualified experts grows, and their high turnover – imposes a reduction of time necessary to train employees. Increasingly, augmented reality offers a solution to all of these problems.
We are witness to unparalleled changes taking place in industrial production. The shifts apply not only to the way processes are performed but also to better, more organized management of resources. Since industry encompasses a lot of high-risk areas, such as mining or oil & gas, accidents can have far-reaching and severe consequences. Thus, AR support can mean a lot for safety, competitiveness in the market, and potential crisis survival.
In the face of relatively high employee turnover and retirement rate, training has to be effective and as fast as possible. Augmented reality makes learning by doing more accessible:
Augmented reality can play a fundamental role in supporting employees in their daily work. It is particularly important for risk reduction and downtime minimization. It can take the form of:
Remote started to characterize the Covid times, and it has been slowly adopted by the industry as well. Just have a look at the following examples:
Last but not least, AR can improve the security of industrial processes and quality of products manufactured. It is possible thanks to:
Time will tell which technology – augmented or virtual reality – will be at the top of the business game (and if our bet on AR was right).