Trends in Augmented Reality

Reality is a wonderful place to be. But it's also fun to modify our surroundings in order to find information, learn something new, or just play. Augmented Reality, or AR, is making that possible. AR enhances the way we experience the world around us using object recognition technology that adds layers to our existing environment.

AR is actually a first cousin to Virtual Reality and a second cousin to the one-person 3D theater from the 1960s called the Sensorama. But while the older technologies were designed to replace the user's environment with a virtual one, AR enhances the user's actual environment with computer-generated sensory input like sound, GPS data, or video. It's all about imagination and wonder.

AR in Mobile Technology

Things are changing so fast with AR in mobile technology—it's hard to keep up! All you need is a smartphone with a camera, an Internet connection, GPS, and an AR app. Hundreds of apps are designed to help us dig deeper to find useful information when we're mobile. When you're out and about, you can point your phone at your environment to magically identify spots of interest to you. For example, if you're in the market to find new office space, an app called Rofo lets you point your smartphone at a building to learn about vacant space. You can click a button to learn details about the vacancy, or fire off an email to the rental company.

Another app called RedFin is great when you're looking for a house to buy. You can use this map-based app while riding in your car (only if you're the passenger!) to view house prices, interior images, and realtor contact information.

Google is developing AR-infused "glasses" that use heads-up display (HUD) technology. The idea is that you place the device over one eye and essentially look through the lens of a camera to see detailed information from GoogleMaps or other GPS systems when you're out walking around.

 AR in Marketing

Marketing is driven by visuals, so AR has so much potential in this area. If you've been inside a Lego store lately, you might have played with a "Digital Box" kiosk that lets you scan a product box and see a 3D rendering of what's inside. It's a toy for your toys!

The US Postal Service has an online Virtual Box Simulator AR tool that lets you compare the size of objects you want to mail to the size of a virtual flat-rate 3D shipping box—without waiting in line. You can easily switch out the virtual box if it doesn't fit until you find the one that works.

The Nintendo 3DS systems come with a collection of "AR cards." The player puts the device on a flat surface, looks through the special camera, and seemingly brings characters and game content to animated life.

AR in Education

AR technology is all about self-paced exploration, discovery, and user engagement, and so educators and trainers have much to look forward to with AR in the classroom. Learners can use AR apps to practice skills, make mistakes, and experience virtual consequences. Check out how BMW service employees use AR goggles to help diagnose and fix problems.

Schools are beginning to adopt AR technology as well. This PBS video describes some great examples of how AR programs help teach complex information in an engaging way, such as physics concepts in a 3D format, gravity concepts, ramp building skills, and even new styles of 3D art creation.

AR in Safety

Safety is area where AR technology is experiencing incredible growth. NASA is working on a display system that pilots wear on their heads that displays a clear electronic image of the environment around the airplane, which is especially helpful at night or during cloudy or rainy weather.

GM has a system that augments a car's windshield with transparent overlays that highlight objects in the real world not easily seen by the driver. The system is designed to enhance the driver's ability to see objects, edges of the road, animals along the road, and other safety concerns. The technology uses forward-looking sensors and cameras in the car to track a driver's position.

We're in an era where technology is opening up new dimensions for exploring the world around us. What's in the store for the future? In a few years will we be wearing contact lenses to see robust layers of information as we walk around, shop, or take classes?

What are your experiences using AR technology, and how do you think it's affecting the way we live?