Introduction to Augmented Reality
Most of us are conversant in the concept of virtual reality, but barely less familiar is the concept of augmented reality (AR). However, with the rise of Pokémon Go, AR has change into more mainstream. The waste and recycling sector, like all other industries, can be affected by AR and may gain advantage greatly from its introduction.
What is Augmented Reality?
Essentially, AR involves laying digital information over the real-world environment through a bit of hardware like a headset, glasses, or a tablet. Prior to Pokémon Go, AR was mainly known through Google Glass, which was launched in 2013 but quickly discontinued because of concerns over safety and privacy.
The Future of Augmented Reality
Despite the initial setback, AR’s popularity is on the rise. Antonis Mavropoulos, the CEO of international waste consultancy D-Waste, believes that AR might be applied to the waste management industry at a considerable rate before 2020. This is principally because of the revolution in computational power, which has made it possible for developers to create more sophisticated AR applications.
Potential Applications in Waste and Recycling
There are several potential applications of AR within the waste and recycling industry. Some of those include:
Repair
DAQRI, a California-based firm, has designed an augmented reality "smart helmet" that may enable a wide selection of applications, including data visualization, distant expert interactions, and maintenance. This helmet could be extremely useful in repair situations, allowing non-experts to finish tasks with the assistance of preset instructions or distant guidance.
Handling Dangerous Waste
Scope, a Canadian firm, has developed a software tool called WorkLink that will help within the handling of dangerous waste, resembling nuclear waste. WorkLink transforms traditional paper-based work instructions into smart instructions, allowing users to receive step-by-step guidance through animated 3D computer-generated imagery.
Planning
AR has already been adopted by some architects, and it’s prone to be widely utilized in planning facilities, including recycling and waste treatment plants. Iris, a New York-based firm, has developed Prospect, a bit of software that permits architects or planners to convert their files into 3D virtual 360-degree experiences.
The Circular Economy
AR could also play a task in unlocking the potential of the circular economy. By providing users with information concerning the environmental impact of products, AR will help prevent waste in the primary place. For example, an AR application could provide users with information concerning the materials utilized in a product, the hazardous materials it incorporates, and the potential problems it could cause.
Conclusion
While many AR applications are currently beyond the budget of small operators and individuals, the associated fee is decreasing rapidly. As the associated fee of AR technology decreases, it’s prone to change into more mainstream. In fact, some experts predict that AR will change into completely mainstream by 2020. With its potential applications in repair, handling dangerous waste, planning, and the circular economy, AR is prone to have a big impact on the waste and recycling industry in the approaching years.
