What Is Augmented Reality?
Entrepreneurs have realized that by using augmented reality apps to test ideas before development begins, they can save money in the production process. Hence, augmented reality is becoming increasingly popular in different fields of business.
But what is AR exactly? As defined by Techopedia, augmented reality “is a type of interactive, reality-based display environment that takes the capabilities of computer generated display, sound, text and effects to enhance the user's real-world experience”. Basically, it’s a technology that projects any visual element from any computer into the user's real environment. Thus, providing a richer, fuller audio-visual experience.
The widespread use of augmented reality is just around the corner. However, the oil and gas, architecture and construction, and design industries are currently using AR technology in their projects. In this article, we highlight examples of how augmented reality apps are used in different industries to improve the user experience.
Augmented reality in oil and gas
Technicians and engineers working in the oil and gas industry often have to perform their tasks in difficult conditions. With many oil rigs located in extreme conditions, sending entire expeditions for repairs or installations is both dangerous and expensive.
To facilitate safety standards set for operations and manage costs, many oil companies implementing augmented reality solutions.
For instance, British Petrol started using smart goggles for their outdoor operations. Augmented reality glasses have built-in sensors that can collect information and send them to engineers anywhere in the world. In turn, those experts can relay instructions or valuable information for technicians to implement in real time. By using augmented reality, the operator can simply connect the dots after receiving the entire repair or installation schematic.
Apart from that, technicians working both in the offshore and onshore environment can make great use of heads-up displays (HUDs). They enable operators to receive and send data regarding particular tasks and work safety in real time. What’s more, they enhance the automated work that includes different software tools, workers, and their equipment. Also, HUDs can be used for gathering and processing advanced business intelligence data. In turn, oil and gas engineers can build their strategies on the basis of these findings.
Such remote operations are an economical alternative to costly and risky full-scale expeditions.
Augmented reality in architecture
Architecture and augmented reality make a perfect match. Architects and construction engineers need to be able to project 3D models in reality for many different situations.
The most obvious application of AR for this industry is the process of projecting and drafting a building. Now you can use both 3D modeling and augmented reality to see how things will look on construction sites. Imagine how AR tools can impact your pitch by giving you the ability to project a new real estate development plan onto an occupied construction site.
AR systems are cost-effective and visually-efficient solutions for massive scale projects as well. One of the pioneering projects in this field was the CityViewAR app, which helped reconstruct Christ Church in New Zealand after the earthquake in 2011.
These systems have developed significantly since then, offering an array of AR options for superposing destroyed buildings after natural disasters. Read more about these innovations in the scientific paper published by the University of Karlsruhe, Germany.
Augmented reality in design and marketing
Just like in architecture, the greatest benefit of augmented reality in design is the opportunity to test how things look before implementing anything into practice.
For the time being, augmented reality and interior design have reached the highest degree of collaboration. Brands like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ikea all have their own AR systems that help buyers project different items of furniture in their homes. What’s more, with their slogan ‘Try before you buy’ the Swedish company added a special marketing feature to this innovative approach to interior design.
Taking a leap from interior design to advertising, augmented reality digital placements (ARDPs) can help you place your banner ads without any special apps. Users only need a desktop camera or a smartphone to have a chance to see an AR-enhanced ad. Here you can check out how Blippar and Land Rover joined forces to come up with one such ad.
Summary
This is only the beginning of a reality that will be heavily influenced by augmented reality technology. If you have a business that wants to implement AR apps and/or some of its complementary services, feel free to contact our team. We have pros in AR and 3D modeling, as well as expertise in custom website design and augmented reality app development.
Tell us about your upcoming project, and let's work together on a creative solution to bring your ideas to life.
