Augmented Reality Solutions in Education, Retail and Military

AR allows users to view 3D digital information that is augmented over their environment using mobile devices. Marker-based AR uses a specific marker, like a QR code or image, to trigger content.

Marker-less AR uses sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and cameras in mobile devices to recognize objects and surfaces, then superimpose virtual content. Examples include navigation apps and the BMW i Visualizer app.

Educational

Using AR in education provides new, interactive learning opportunities for students. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which blocks out the real world with headsets, AR blends digital information into the existing environment. This makes it easier for students to understand complicated concepts and visualize them. It also encourages interaction and engagement, which improves retention and increases engagement in the classroom.

A growing number of companies offer educational AR solutions. These include:

Many of these applications use mobile devices to deliver AR content. This includes smartphones and tablets running augmented reality apps, or smart glasses with integrated AR capabilities. Some of these apps are designed to be a supplement to existing textbooks, while others are meant to be standalone experiences that engage multiple learning modalities. Examples of these include the app ARloon Plants, which allows students to learn about plants by observing their physical structure and internal processes; MathAlive!, which uses a combination of AR and gaming technology to help students with mathematical problems; and the AR-enabled textbook HITLibHZ-BuildAR.

Augmented reality is not only useful for teaching, but it can be a great tool for training employees as well. For example, augmented reality can be used to teach employees how to perform certain tasks without putting them in dangerous situations or exposing them to significant costs should the task fail. This kind of practical training is not possible with traditional textbooks or even conventional videoconferencing.

Retail

Augmented reality is an omnipresent technology that offers a multitude of retail applications to enhance customer experiences and increase ROI. From virtual testers for ecommerce to augmented reality retail apps that guide customers in stores, AR is making it easier than ever for brands to engage with customers.

One of the most significant benefits of AR is its ability to make it easy for customers to visualize products before they buy them. For example, shoppers can use AR to see how a new dress will look on them or how a table fits in their dining room. This type of interaction reduces return rates and boosts customer satisfaction.

In addition to reducing the need for product returns, AR augmented reality solutions also makes it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for in a store. For example, Sephora’s augmented reality app allows people to try on makeup before they buy it. This not only makes it easier to choose the right shade, but it also saves time and money by eliminating the need to visit a physical store.

Moreover, AR is changing the way consumers interact with brand advertising and packaging. For example, some brands are using AR to bring their ads to life in 3D holograms. This technology is a great way to drive engagement and sales without the need for costly printing and production processes.

Healthcare

One of the highest stakes for any industry is healthcare – it’s human life we’re talking about here. Considering this, the health care sector is more willing than most to embrace new technology that can help improve patient outcomes.

Augmented reality is already used in a number of healthcare applications. For example, doctors use AR to augmented reality solutions visualize the anatomy of a patient for surgical procedures. For this, a holographic image of the patient’s body is superimposed on the surgery site to guide the surgeon through the process. This helps them avoid mistakes that could otherwise be fatal.

Moreover, AR has also been used to aid in medical research. For instance, the VisMol system developed by Sygnature Discovery uses Microsoft HoloLens to enable pharmaceutical researchers to accelerate the study of genetic data related to microbes. This, in turn, speeds up the development of drugs to combat those microbes.

Another way that augmented reality has been used in healthcare is by helping patients take an active role in their own self-care. Physiotherapy and physical rehabilitation are two areas where this is especially beneficial. By watching digital demonstrations of their bodily motions, patients can refine their movements to restore their physical fitness. This allows them to heal faster. Similarly, a device called AccuVein can be used to help nurses and doctors find veins for blood draws or IV placements. This enables them to get it right the first time, which reduces pain and discomfort for the patient.

Military

Virtual reality is being used to train military forces for various situations. Unlike the conventional training systems that require extensive time at barracks, AR-enabled headsets help in creating immersive battlefield scenarios for soldiers. This enables soldiers to get much-needed exposure without compromising their safety in real-world environments. This augmented reality technology has helped in reducing the number of casualties and training costs for the army.

Moreover, augmented reality applications are also being used to train medical personnel in critical situations. For example, the U.S. army has been using an augmented reality headset called IVAS (Infantry Visual Augmented Situational Awareness System), which is built around Microsoft’s HoloLens. This headset allows medics to treat injured soldiers remotely. This is especially helpful for medical units operating in remote locations.

Another use case of AR in the military is to allow field technicians to remotely consult with an expert for equipment maintenance. This is possible by leveraging computer vision to detect parts and sub-parts of the equipment, then overlaying a step-by-step guide with AR to show what they see on their device’s screen. This helps in speeding up the process and reduces the cost of repair.

However, it is important to remember that the information streamed through AR may be flawed or incomplete. This could result in a loss of confidence in the data, leading to poor military judgment. Hence, it is important for commanders to understand the limitations of such tools and take feasible precautions when using them in the context of armed conflict.