What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality (AR) is a sort of spatial computing that adds a graphical overlay onto a picture of the true world. It’s like having a superpower that helps you to see the world in a brand new way. With AR, you’ll be able to point your phone or tablet at a real-world object, and it is going to display additional details about that object, equivalent to its name, price, or reviews.
How is AR Used in Engineering?
Engineers and manufacturing professionals are using AR to design, construct, and sell higher products. One popular way they’re using AR is to visualise their designs as they’d exist in the true world. For example, automotive engineers can use an AR headset to see a life-size model of their latest vehicle right before their eyes. They may even map the lighting and reflections of the true world onto the AR model, making it appear to be an actual, physical vehicle.
Another emerging use of AR is as a tool for factory commissioning, maintenance, and training. AR applications can present details about a chunk of apparatus on top of that equipment, equivalent to visual instructions for operate it safely or change out an element. For example, an engineer might use AR to see a 3D model of a machine and learn disassemble and reassemble it, without having to physically touch the machine.
Types of Hardware that Support AR
Unlike virtual reality, which requires the user to wear an opaque head-mounted display, augmented reality could be achieved with a more versatile range of computing hardware. Phones, tablets, low-profile smart glasses, and head-mounted displays (HMDs) can all be used for AR. This flexibility makes AR more accessible than VR, especially in the sphere or on the factory floor.
Not all hardware makes for an equal AR experience. Using a phone or tablet for AR could also be convenient, but the standard, spatial stability, and responsiveness of the AR models won’t be pretty much as good as with a high-end headset. For engineers hoping to make use of AR to guage their designs, an HMD will provide the most effective experience. However, HMDs also range in quality and features from one manufacturer to the following, and a few could also be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Conclusion
Augmented reality is a strong tool that is becoming more accessible day by day. With AR, engineers can design, construct, and sell higher products, and manufacturing professionals can train and maintain equipment more effectively. As more devices emerge to support augmented reality and other sorts of spatial computing, we are able to expect to see much more modern applications of this technology in the long run. Whether you are a student, an engineer, or a consumer, AR is price keeping track of.
