Introduction to Augmented Reality
Apple’s acquisition of Akonia Holographics, an organization that makes lenses for augmented reality (AR) glasses, could possibly be the beginning of a brand new wave in mobile computing. This technology has the potential to alter the way in which we interact with information, making it more wearable and fewer intrusive. AR glasses superimpose location-specific information and graphics onto a user’s field of regard through transparent lenses, making a more immersive experience.
The History of AR
The concept of AR will not be latest. In 2012, Google launched Google Glass, one among the primary notable iterations of AR glasses. Although it was initially met with excitement, production was temporarily halted in 2015. Since then, smartphone and mobile device manufacturers have been working to include AR applications into their products. Other firms, like Microsoft, have developed their very own AR technologies, resembling the HoloLens.
Wearing the Future
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has called augmented reality a "big and profound" technology development. He’s not alone on this assessment. Many tech giants consider that AR has the potential to revolutionize the way in which we interact with information. While AR has been available on smartphones and handheld devices for a while, the expansion of wearable devices may hold significant promise for businesses. For example, Alphabet’s Glass headset, although a failure in the buyer market, has shown strong adoption by business users, including GE field employees and doctors at Dignity Health.
Applications of AR in Business
The use of AR in business has the potential to extend productivity and efficiency. Doctors, as an illustration, may gain advantage from Apple’s Akonia acquisition. Apple’s health division, which partners with software providers to deliver medical applications on iPads and related devices, could add cutting-edge AR technology to its portfolio. This could lead on to latest and modern ways for medical professionals to access and interact with patient information.
The Importance of Location
For any company seeking to incorporate AR into worker workflows, location is critically vital. A utility company in New Jersey, for instance, uses AR and HoloLens to see underground utility lines beneath their feet as AR-generated holograms projected at their exact locations. This system relies on a geographic information system (GIS) that tracks the placement of each pipeline, valve, connection, and intersection, to an accuracy of just centimeters. With this technology, work crews can minimize the danger of digging through critical infrastructure.
AR in Practice
Many organizations start their foray into AR by making a 3D digital twin, a precise model of reality made with GIS. This digital twin includes detailed attributes about assets, making it easier to create AR experiences that guide real-world interactions. Examples of industries embracing 3D GIS with an eye fixed toward AR include:
- Architecture, engineering, and construction firms, which mix 3D GIS data with constructing information models to tell infrastructure design and construction.
- Urban planners, who use 3D GIS to convey zoning information and visualize plans in a real-world context.
- Utilities, which view and analyze more-accurate representations of real-world assets, revealing the placement and details of underground infrastructure using AR with no need to dig.
- Defense and intelligence operators, who use 3D GIS to offer a standard operating picture and enhanced context to assist rapid decision-making.
Conclusion
The way forward for augmented reality looks promising, with many industry observers expecting it to turn into a precious tool throughout the business world. With a growth rate of nearly 74 percent through 2023, firms like Apple are making significant investments in AR technology. As more businesses adopt AR, we are able to expect to see real-world productivity gains and modern applications of this technology. As the usage of AR continues to evolve, it’ll be exciting to see the way it changes the way in which we interact with information and one another.
