Introduction to Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that has been gaining popularity in recent times. It has the potential to revolutionize the way in which we work and interact with one another. However, despite its potential, AR still has some limitations which are stopping it from being fully utilized within the workplace.
The Uncanny Valley Effect
One of the most important limitations of AR is the uncanny valley effect. This effect occurs when a scene shouldn’t be rendered perfectly, causing the brain to feel that something is off. For example, if an apple is rendered perfectly but is balancing on the sting of a table in defiance of the laws of gravity, the brain will know that something is unsuitable, even when the user cannot explain why. This could cause the user to turn out to be distracted and lose the advantages of using AR.
The Impact on Users
The uncanny valley effect can have a major impact on users. According to Yasra Chandio, a graduate fellow in computer engineering on the University of Massachusetts Amherst, US, the brain’s perception of reality could be altered when using AR. "You’ll be slower," explains Chandio. "Your behaviour will probably be modified. Physiologically, you’ll feel different." This can result in a decrease in productivity and a rise in errors.
The Current State of AR
Despite the potential of AR, the technology continues to be in its early stages. Researchers have been studying Virtual Reality (VR) and AR for a long time, but there continues to be much to be learned concerning the effects of AR on humans. Fatima Anwar, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at UMass, notes that "we’re not saying there is no such thing as a potential, but right away, it’s at a stage where we’d like to know it more." This lack of knowledge is stopping firms from fully utilizing AR within the workplace.
The Role of AR within the Workplace
Companies are aware that AR shouldn’t be yet ready to switch traditional video-conference and messaging platforms. Instead, they’re AR as a supplementary tool to boost distant communication. This implies that AR will probably be used to support existing technologies, fairly than replacing them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while AR has the potential to revolutionize the way in which we work, it still has some significant limitations. The uncanny valley effect and the lack of knowledge concerning the effects of AR on humans are stopping firms from fully utilizing the technology. However, as researchers proceed to review AR and its effects, we are able to expect to see significant improvements in the approaching years. With further development and refinement, AR has the potential to turn out to be a strong tool within the workplace, enhancing productivity and communication.
