AR, or augmented reality, is a technology that superimposes computer-generated images on top of real-world surroundings. AR technology has been used in gaming and entertainment applications, but is now becoming more widely adopted in other areas such as education, training, and manufacturing.
One popular example of an AR application is Pokemon GO, which allows players to catch virtual creatures that appear in the real world. When viewed through the app’s camera, these creatures appear to be interacting with their environment. Other examples of AR applications include wayfinding apps that provide directions by superimposing arrows and roads over a live video feed of the user‘s surroundings, and educational apps that can display information about real-world objects.
AR technology is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize many industries. For example, AR can be used to provide workers with real-time instructions and information about their tasks, or to give students a more immersive learning experience. This technology also has the potential to change the way we interact with our surroundings, and could eventually lead to the development of truly “smart” cities.
AR is not to be confused with virtual reality (VR), which is a completely immersive simulated environment. While VR can also be used for gaming and entertainment applications, it is most commonly used for training and educational purposes. For example, VR can be used to simulate dangerous or difficult situations in order to prepare people for them, or to provide a realistic environment for practicing tasks such as surgery.
So far, AR has been mostly used for consumer applications. However, there is a growing trend of businesses adopting this technology for enterprise use cases. For example, Airbus is using AR to help workers assemble aircrafts more efficiently, and Coca-Cola is using AR to allow customers to customize their beverage cans. As the technology matures, it is likely that we will see even more businesses finding innovative ways to use AR.