Introduction to Augmented Reality
The University of Houston CougAR Laboratory is a newly created research center that focuses on studying the impact of augmented reality (AR) on society. The lab, founded by Tony Liao, associate professor within the UH College of Technology’s Department of Information Logistics and Technology, goals to know how people will react to AR and its potential applications in the longer term.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality is a technology that overlays digital content onto the physical world in real-time, making a fictional reality that seems natural. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the best way we interact with our surroundings and with one another. Liao’s students are on the forefront of this research, using cutting-edge AR devices to experiment with the technology and journal their experiences.
Studying Human Reaction to AR
In the CougAR Lab, students spend 10 to quarter-hour in virtual reality each week, recording themselves as avatars and keeping a diary about their experiences. They also interact with others who appear as avatars, gaining beneficial insights into how people perceive and react to AR. This research is important for firms developing AR technology, because it helps them understand find out how to create a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Real-World Applications of AR
AR is already getting used in various industries, including retail, entertainment, and healthcare. For example, IKEA customers can use AR to see how furniture would slot in their homes, while BAND-AID brand adhesive bandages has used AR to make its product more fun for youths. AR can be getting used to boost virtual meetings, allowing participants to see one another in 3D and interact with virtual presentations.
The Future of AR
The potential applications of AR are vast and varied. In the longer term, we are able to expect to see AR getting used in fields reminiscent of medicine, distant work, and education. For instance, a surgeon wearing AR eyeglasses could have one other medical doctor virtually within the operating room, providing distant advice and guidance. The CougAR Lab is on the forefront of this research, studying how people will react to AR and developing the subsequent generation of AR technology.
Unique Focus of the CougAR Lab
Unlike other universities, which deal with the engineering side of AR, the CougAR Lab has a novel deal with the social science and business facets of AR. This approach allows students to achieve a deeper understanding of how people will interact with AR and the way it can impact society. The lab’s research is very valued by recruiters, and students who work on the lab are in high demand by top tech firms.
Conclusion
The University of Houston CougAR Laboratory is a cutting-edge research center that’s pushing the boundaries of augmented reality. With its unique deal with the social science and business facets of AR, the lab is providing beneficial insights into how people will react to this emerging technology. As AR continues to evolve and develop into more widespread, the research being conducted on the CougAR Lab will play a vital role in shaping its development and ensuring that it’s utilized in ways in which profit society.
