After the pandemic, Augmented Reality (AR) is expected to be a game-changing technology with the capacity to revolutionise various sectors such as commerce, medicine, industry, and academia, for the betterment of our daily lives. Despite this, complete integration of AR is still to be achieved.
A recent report by IDC indicates that a mere 18% of businesses that invested in Augmented Reality (AR) have implemented the technology. Additionally, 45% of the respondents are still testing the waters, which implies that companies are hesitant due to the high cost and complexity associated with AR.
According to the IDC study, businesses are increasingly acknowledging the potential of augmented reality (AR) for remote assistance, personnel training, and knowledge retention. These three applications, which garnered the highest percentage of support, were 43%, 39%, and 33%, respectively. By mastering the required knowledge and employing the right practices, businesses can rapidly gain numerous advantages from implementing this technology.
Let us delve deeper into what this signifies.
Achieving Harmony Between the Virtual and the Real
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that permits superimposition of computer-generated graphics and data onto real-life settings and objects. This implies that enhanced digital elements and information added to an object can now be viewed and interacted with. One instance of this is the ability to utilize AR glasses or Microsoft’s HoloLens to check the tracking number of a package.
The retail sector has witnessed a surge in the adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) as IKEA Place’s app allows consumers to visualise furniture in their home. However, the potential of AR stretches beyond this. It allows doctors to give remote assistance during medical procedures and enables trainee medical professionals to sharpen their skills. It can also be used by maintenance personnel to inspect complex equipment and systems. Numerous AR applications remain untapped.
Augmented Reality (AR) strives to unify the digital and physical worlds into a single cohesive experience. As demonstrated by the previous examples, a single user can easily employ AR through any device for various applications. Nonetheless, AR can also assist communication and collaboration between individuals in different geographical locations.
Augmented Reality (AR) technology such as wearables, smartphones, and tablets when combined with cloud-based digital platforms, can generate an additional layer of transparency. Put simply, anyone equipped with an AR device can access a website and communicate with remote specialists, who can provide assistance when necessary.
The utilization of Augmented Reality has the potential to reduce the requirement for professionals to visit job sites physically, which can result in time and cost savings. Furthermore, the technology can help alleviate crises, mitigate risks in dangerous settings, and serve as a superb educational tool.
Collaborative Synergy with Augmented Reality
It is significant to mention that most of the existing Augmented Reality applications can have a positive impact across a variety of businesses. Therefore, those who are considering adopting AR technology should investigate the most promising applications currently available.
Hence, what Augmented Reality collaboration initiatives could produce rapid outcomes?
Remote Issue Resolution.
Sometimes, even the most elementary tasks necessitate expert advice. However, this may not always be feasible, particularly in more isolated locations such as industrial sites, power plants, and oil rigs. Fortunately, Augmented Reality can provide a solution by enabling remote assistance. Employees can use their augmented reality devices to acquire remote aid from professionals and access the necessary data to solve issues expeditiously and efficiently (e.g. repairing vital equipment or diagnosing faulty machines).Remote Testing and Inspection.
Conducting process and equipment assessments is critical to identify problems and create solutions. Quality assurance professionals can utilize Augmented Reality (AR) to observe workers in action, enabling businesses to evaluate the implementation of their processes, rectify any mistakes promptly, and detect issues before they escalate.Virtual Classroom Training
To manage staff training programs, Augmented Reality (AR) can be advantageous to businesses. There are two primary benefits of employing remote Quality Assurance (QA) technology in this case. Firstly, experts can deliver real-time guidance to employees on procedures and duties. Additionally, AR allows specialists to disseminate their expertise effectively to remote workers who may not have an adequate level of technological proficiency.
Overcoming Adversity with Augmented Reality
It is crucial to recognize that incorporating Augmented Reality (AR) technology into business operations may present some challenges. Specifically, businesses may be concerned about the expenses involved in creating and maintaining AR models and effectively integrating AR technology with cloud-based systems, particularly if customization is required. Nevertheless, the presented three use cases are certain to provide a return on investment (ROI).
It is imperative to consider customization when implementing Augmented Reality (AR) technology. While some pre-made AR solutions may be available for certain applications and industries, it is likely that individual businesses will require tailored AR experiences to meet specific requirements. To achieve this level of customization, it is essential to devise a comprehensive growth plan with a well-considered strategy that encompasses the viewpoints of executives, employees, resources, timelines and the wider industry.
There may be concerns about data security when utilizing cloud-based solutions. Several organizations are apprehensive about sharing confidential information with external providers or storing their intellectual property on external servers.
Finding a guaranteed solution to overcome these challenges is difficult as they are specific to each situation. However, there are measures that can be taken to alleviate their impact. For instance, breaking down the AR solution into smaller sprints may help manage the budget for the full deployment. Seeking professional assistance from companies with expertise in this specialized field can also help with planning the integration of Augmented Reality. Furthermore, by utilizing edge computing, it is possible to keep sensitive information in close proximity and, in turn, lessen the risks of data breaches.
Even if Augmented Reality is not a perfect solution for your business, it would be prudent to evaluate its advantages. Despite the gradual growth of Augmented Reality thus far, investing in it now could yield significant long-term benefits and may be the key to enhancing your team’s performance. Therefore, disregarding Augmented Reality would not be wise.
