Augmented reality is a technology that adds digital elements to a user’s view of the real world, creating an enhanced or “augmented” reality. It differs from virtual reality in that the user does not lose touch with the physical environment, but rather interacts with both the real and the virtual¹. Augmented reality can be used for various purposes, such as:
– Gaming and entertainment: Augmented reality can create immersive and interactive experiences for gamers and users, such as Pokemon Go and AR Smart Glasses.
– Medical training and healthcare: Augmented reality can help medical professionals in performing complex procedures, such as surgeries, by displaying vital information, such as patient data, images, and instructions.
– Mobile applications: Augmented reality can enhance the functionality and usability of mobile apps, such as AR filters and navigation.
– Retail and marketing: Augmented reality can improve the shopping and product visualization experience for customers, such as AR shopping and product visualization.
– Military and defense: Augmented reality can improve the situational awareness and safety of soldiers and pilots, such as F-35 helmets and combat simulation.
– Education and learning: Augmented reality can enrich the learning outcomes and engagement of students, such as AR textbooks and classroom activities.
– Travel and tourism: Augmented reality can provide useful information and guidance for travelers, such as AR maps and guides.
Augmented reality is a promising technology that has many benefits and applications in various domains. It can enhance the performance, accuracy, and convenience of users by providing them with relevant and timely information in their field of view.
Closely related to Augmented Reality is “Assisted Reality”.
Assisted reality is a technology that allows a person to view a screen within his or her immediate field of vision, hands free. It differs from augmented reality in that the information on the screen is not overlaid onto a physical environment¹. Assisted reality can be useful for various applications, such as:
– Service productivity: Assisted reality can help service technicians, mechanics, and other professionals access relevant information and documentation without having to use their hands or look away from their work.
– Education: Assisted reality can enhance learning experiences by providing interactive and immersive content, such as 3D models, animations, videos, and quizzes.
– Healthcare: Assisted reality can assist medical professionals in performing complex procedures, such as surgeries, by displaying vital information, such as patient data, images, and instructions.
– Aviation: Assisted reality can improve the safety and efficiency of pilots and air traffic controllers by providing them with real-time information, such as weather, navigation, and alerts.