Pokemon Go! may have introduced the average person to augmented reality technology, but it certainly doesn’t represent the limits of AR’s potential.
AR has the capacity to revolutionize various industries, just as on-demand Android and iOS mobile application development changed how consumers interact with brands. Those who take advantage of this innovation now will boost customer service, improve operations, and better understand exactly how to use AR most effectively.
What is Augmented Reality?
AR apps merge the real world with a virtual one by superimposing various elements onto a device’s screen. To return to the Pokemon Go! example, that particular game allows users to capture Pokemon in their surrounding areas via smartphones. Obviously, the Pokemon are not real, but they appear to be part of the real world when viewed through a phone’s screen.
This development can easily be applied in many other ways. The following examples illustrate why AR isn’t just for gaming.
Improving Manufacturing
Manufacturing certain products often involves referring to instructions during assembly procedures. This reduces efficiency and can result in costly errors or defects.
Augmented reality will change this. With AR, screens can provide manufacturing plant workers with clear instructions that don’t require them to look away from the task at hand. Based on the increased presence of AR devices at major manufacturing technology trade shows, it’s clear professionals in this industry are already considering how to apply this innovation.
Offering Superior Healthcare
AR has already demonstrated its worth in the healthcare field. For example, researchers at Imperial College London at St Mary’s Hospital used AR to superimpose CT scan images onto patient limbs during surgery. This made it easier for surgeons to essentially “see through” limbs during key procedures.
It’s easy to understand how AR could be useful in similar ways. For instance, perhaps a patient is having trouble understanding how to use a new medical device. AR instructions could safely and accurately teach them how to use it without requiring the presence of a physician.
Boosting Driver Safety
Drivers can encounter a lot of information behind the wheel, including their current speed, GPS directions, phone alerts, and more. Looking away from the road to take in this information is dangerous.
It might also be unnecessary. AR is capable of projecting all this information transparently on a windshield instead of a dashboard. Thus, drivers will be less distracted on the road.
Improving Military Operations
Satellites and drones often supply ground troops with very valuable information during military operations. AR allows troops to view and use this information more efficiently than ever by displaying it on AR-based glasses.
This will also improve visibility in armored vehicles. The security these vehicles offer typically requires sacrificing visibility. With AR screens, however, the troops inside can see their surrounding environment as if they were out in the open.
These are merely a few examples illustrating AR’s potential. Clearly, this technology isn’t restricted to improving gaming experiences. As developers experiment with it, AR’s role in a wide range of industries will continue to grow.
