What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented Reality (AR) literally translates to “extended reality.” It is a technology that allows digital content to be integrated into the real world. Special AR glasses, tablets, or smartphones serve as mediums through which virtual objects, texts, or information are displayed in the user’s field of view. AR thus combines digital content with reality and creates interactive experiences.
Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), AR enhances the real world with digital content, whereas VR completely replaces the real world with a virtual environment.
Augmented Reality is also playing an increasingly important role in logistics, particularly in the maintenance of automated warehouses. Technicians receive specific AR instructions for the maintenance or repair of machines, such as stacker cranes.
Other applications for AR can be found in gaming, shopping, navigation, medicine, and industry.
One of the most popular examples of AR is the game Pokémon GO, where virtual characters appear in the real world. In the shopping sector, furniture apps allow users to visualize how specific products would look in their own homes. In navigation, Google Maps integrates AR to display directional signs directly in the environment. Lastly, surgeons also use AR to simplify operations.
Augmented Reality is characterized by the following features:
- Enhancing (not replacing) the real environment
- Interacting with digital content in real time
- Adapting virtual objects to the real environment
Images:
Image: pluie_r / Shutterstock