A is for AR (Augmented Reality)

AI may be the most in-demand technology today, but this series begins with AR. An equally transformative technology that shaped the path before AI and will continue to matter beyond it.

This post introduces AR (Augmented Reality). What it is, why it exists, and where it fits in today’s technology.

What this post covers

• What is AR?
• Real-world analogy
• Why does AR exist?
• How AR works (high-level)
• Where AR is used
• What deeper topics are intentionally left out

What is AR

Augmented Reality (AR) is when digital objects are added to the real world around you.

You are not leaving the real world; instead, you are just adding extra information or objects to it using a phone, tablet, or smart glasses.

Real-world analogy

Think of AR like subtitles for the real world.

Suppose you are watching a movie in a language other than your native language. Subtitles enhance the movie experience. Similarly, AR doesn’t replace reality; it adds useful subtitles to what you already see.

Why does AR exist

Augmented Reality exists to make digital information more contextual, interactive and intuitive.

It enhances our perception of the real world by adding digital information on top of it. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which replaces reality entirely, AR adds digital objects, data or visual cues that we see daily.

Benefits of using AR:

• Improves efficiency and enhances training.
• Enables remote collaboration.
• Enriches customer experiences.
• Reduces operational and development costs and increases efficiency.

How AR works

Augmented Reality plays a crucial role in bringing the virtual and physical worlds together. It begins with a camera-equipped device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smart glasses loaded with AR software. These devices are equipped with cameras, sensors (like accelerometers and gyroscopes), and displays that capture the user’s surroundings, detect movements, and present augmented content.

Augmented Reality needs specific components to create a truly realistic and immersive experience:

• Input Devices: This component includes cameras and sensors used to capture the real-world environment, after which the data is sent for processing.
• Computer Processors: After receiving data from input devices, it will be processed using algorithms to track the location and objects in the real-world environment, allowing digital objects to be placed accurately. Objects are also rendered before being integrated into the physical environment.
• Output devices: These are also known as screens that show the combined digital and physical worlds for a picture-perfect augmented reality experience.

Where AR is used

Augmented Reality is used in various sectors

• Gaming & Entertainment: Interactive gaming experiences.
• Education: Complex simulations and interactive learning.
• Retail & Shopping: Virtual try-ons & product visualisation.
• Tourism & Travel: Interactive historical overlays.
• Healthcare: Medical training and assisting surgeons with overlaid patient data.
• Real Estate: Virtual property tours.
• Design & Architecture: Visualising building designs.
• Logistics: Reducing errors and identifying shipments.
• Agriculture: Real-time monitoring of crops and equipment.
• Navigation: Real-time navigation overlaid on reality.

What this post didn’t cover

• Technical implementation details, such as AR SDKs.
• Limitations and challenges.
• Marker-based vs. Markerless AR systems.
• The future of AR and its integration with IOT, AI, and the metaverse.
• AR development tools, programming languages and frameworks.

Engagement Question

Where do you see AR impacting your daily life?