Introduction to Augmented Reality
The University of Houston has recently established the CougAR Laboratory, a research facility dedicated to studying the impact of augmented reality (AR) on society. Led by Tony Liao, associate professor within the UH College of Technology’s Department of Information Logistics and Technology, the lab explores how people will react to AR and its potential applications in various industries.
Understanding Augmented Reality
Augmented reality overlays digital content onto the physical world in real-time, making a blended environment that may alter our perceptions. The CougAR Lab uses cutting-edge AR and virtual reality (VR) devices to experiment with this technology and understand its effects on human behavior. Students participating within the lab’s projects spend time in virtual reality, recording their experiences and interacting with others as avatars.
Preparing Students for the Future
The CougAR Lab is an element of the digital media major on the University of Houston, providing students with hands-on experience in AR technology. This expertise is in high demand amongst tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Meta (the parent company of Facebook), that are investing heavily in AR development. Many students who work on the lab go on to work for these corporations, demonstrating the invaluable skills they acquire through this program.
Real-World Applications of Augmented Reality
AR is already getting used in various points of our lives, from entertainment to retail. For example, IKEA uses AR to assist customers visualize furniture of their homes, while BAND-AID brand adhesive bandages has created an interactive experience for youths using AR. The technology can also be being explored in fields like medicine, where AR eyeglasses could enable distant consultations and virtual guidance during surgeries.
The University of Houston’s Unique Approach
Unlike other universities specializing in the engineering points of AR, the University of Houston is concentrating on the social science and business sides of this technology. By studying people’s reactions to AR and preparing students for the business applications of this technology, the CougAR Lab is taking a particular approach to AR research.
Experimenting with Virtual Experiences
The CougAR Lab creates immersive virtual experiences to check how people react to AR. For instance, participants can safely simulate the experience of being at the highest of a skyscraper and stepping off, despite the undeniable fact that reality tells them it isn’t possible. These experiments provide invaluable insights for developers of AR technology, helping them understand easy methods to create simpler and interesting experiences.
Conclusion
The CougAR Laboratory on the University of Houston is on the forefront of AR research, providing students with unique opportunities to explore this emerging technology. By specializing in the social science and business points of AR, the lab is preparing the following generation of pros to work on this field. As AR continues to evolve and grow to be more integrated into our each day lives, the work being done on the CougAR Lab will play a major role in shaping the longer term of this technology.
