Where augmented reality is going—and why you should care – Verizon

“We are beginning to see AR apps and glasses expand to numerous industries and sectors of the economy,” says Liz Hyman, CEO of the XR Association, an industry group focused on the responsible development and adoption of XR technologies, which include virtual reality, mixed reality and others. “The technology is meant to enhance the everyday experience.”

5G is at the center of this technology revolution. Immersive and augmented experiences like AR require substantial bandwidth to work well. In order to deliver a rich and satisfying experience, low latency and high speed are essential. Previously, the best experiences often required a wired connection, but 5G could help change that.

Reducing complexity in a complex world

In recent years, augmented reality has crept into our lives in ways you might not always consider. For example, head-up displays in cars can show us how fast we’re driving and provide navigation aids. Using a smartphone display, it’s possible to view an AR image of a sofa or table in a physical space before buying it. In work environments, technicians use AR glasses for assembling complicated machines and components.

What makes the technology so powerful in these situations, Hyman says, is the ability to “add information to a real-world setting through overlays.” Although early attempts at smart glasses weren’t exactly successful, the technology continues to advance. What’s more, as the Internet of Things (IoT) takes shape, augmented reality is incorporating new and intriguing possibilities that potentially touch every industry.

There’s a growing desire to deploy AR in ways that greatly simplify complex processes. For example, construction firms are using the technology to overlay building information modeling (BIM) onto the construction site. This helps teams handle electrical and plumbing installations more quickly.

At the same time, the healthcare industry is turning to AR and MR in an effort to improve the quality of patient care. Physicians and other practitioners wearing smart glasses could eventually view critical data in real-time and harness artificial intelligence (AI) to guide decision-making.

And for everyday consumers? In the not-too-distant future, it might be possible to simply point a phone at food in grocery stores and see nutritional information and even details about possible allergens (like peanuts) for those with sensitivities.

AR as a tool for business

A Harvard Business Review article argues that AR generates business value in two ways: by becoming part of products, and by enhancing value chains in areas such as product development, manufacturing, marketing, customer service and technical support. AR can also aid in product differentiation, cost reduction and ongoing innovation, the report notes.