Augmented Reality

Augmented reality, or simply AR, is an alternate or enhanced version of the world we see around us with the help of some technologies. AR is like a new trend among the companies working, especially in the tech field.

With the rise in data collection and analysis, the main goal of AR  has become to highlight the features of the real world so that we can increase the understanding of those features and derive some smart and useful insights which can then be applied to the real world for its betterment.

 Big data helps companies to make better decisions and gain the trust of their consumers.

AR has become the broadest subject among the wide range of applications. Since its development, companies have been using it as a tool more than just a marketing tool. Consumers are getting tangible experiences from this technology and expect it to be included in shopping.

Wearable devices are good for AR as they can provide a more complete link between the real and virtual world than smartphones, laptops or tablets. 

Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality

These two are confusing topics for most people, although they are different to each other. Simply explaining, augmented reality makes virtual changes in the real world to give a tangible experience to the user, but virtual reality is nearly fake.

Virtual reality is created inside the computer, which is why it is nothing more than just a 3D simulation of an environment.

For example, we all have played or heard about the game "Pokémon Go", in which the player needs to find the Pokémon around them in the real environment; this is possible only with the AR technology as we are seeing an animated character in our real world, but that is not reality itself.

In contrast to AR, VR takes you to a different environment created with the help of the computer and is not real at all. The real part about virtual reality is that the computer is creating it.

Applications of Augmented Reality

Defence

With AR technology, the soldiers can be trained more for many different situations. In defence, this is known as augmented tactical reality. In this tech, an eyepiece helps the soldiers locate things more precisely on the battlefield.

It's Impact

• Technically augmented reality can replace night vision goggles.
• Technically augmented reality can replace the GPS devices that need to be handled by the soldiers to get an eye on each other's positions.
• With augmented reality, the eyepiece gets connected with the thermal site on the rifle, due to which the soldier can not only see the enemy in the dark but also can see some details like distance, clear image etc.

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For example, Jaguar Land Rover put prospective car buyers in its latest models' virtual driver's seats without visiting the dealership. Consumers could launch the AR capability directly from a banner ad without any need to install an app. Customers can see the outside view in the driving seat through transparent windows.

Healthcare

Traditionally handheld ultrasound scanners are used in reconstruction surgery to locate blood vessels and bones. However, AR technology has the potential to replace ultrasound scanners as it will help in locating the blood vessels very accurately and in a shorter period.

Pharmaceuticals

Augmented Reality tools can help scientists to picture the structure of complex molecules. Drug developers usually work with static models. The AR will help the developers to step inside the molecule and see how it moves and responds to different stimuli and situations. This will reduce errors and reduce the years-long drug development cycle.

Logistics

AR will benefit logistics industries at multiple levels of their operations.

• Optimizing warehouse operations
• Optimizing transportation
• Last-mile delivery
• Enhanced value-added services