Augmented Reality (AR) Glasses
AR (augmented reality) glasses are being developed to allow users to see a digital representation of the real world. It’s an emerging technology that’s attracting interest from both big tech companies and upstart inventors.
These AR smart glasses can be used in a variety of applications. They can be used for augmented shopping, enhanced communication and training, and for collaborating.
Enhanced shopping
Enhanced shopping is an emerging trend that uses augmented reality (AR) technology to enhance shoppers’ experience while they shop. Customers can try on products virtually before purchasing them, which helps reduce product return rates and increases store conversions.
AR helps consumers get a better sense of how a product will fit in their home, or what it will look like when they wear it. For example, retailers have developed apps that allow users to overlay furniture and other items into their living space so they can see how they will look in the area.
In addition, a wide variety of applications can help shoppers understand how a specific piece of clothing will look on them. The Warby Parker eyeglasses brand, for example, has an app that allows customers to see how a new pair of glasses will look on their face before making a purchase.
Some retail brands are also integrating AR into their existing websites and mobile apps, which can significantly boost customer engagement. Lego, for example, partnered with Snapchat to create an AR fashion boutique. When customers scanned the Snap codes to enter the virtual shop, they were treated to arcade games, DJ booths and an exclusive collection of clothing.
These types of gamified experiences have been popular with younger customers, and are an excellent way to encourage customers to use their phone’s camera to engage in the app. In turn, they’re helping to improve customer retention and boosting brand loyalty.
Augmented reality has also been used in the food industry to provide customers with more information about a product. For example, if a shopper looks at a bag, the lens would broadcast the country of manufacture, as well as other important details.
Consumers can also use augmented reality to learn more about the materials used in a product. They could even find out how the product was produced, and if it was made in a fair-trade or ethical manner.
As more and more consumers continue to spend more time on their phones, augmented reality technology will be used more often in the future, ar glasses especially as it continues to evolve and become more accessible. In addition, AR is a great tool for marketers to track consumer behavior, so they can create more personalized advertising and marketing campaigns.
Enhanced communication
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information on the user’s environment. It can be delivered in a variety of forms, including mobile apps, games, and AR smart glasses. The technology is being used in a variety of industries, including the military and healthcare, where it can help improve safety and efficiency.
One of the most common uses of AR is to enhance communication. For example, the UK’s National Health Service is piloting a system called ThirdEye that allows emergency medical technicians to share live video footage of an accident scene with doctors thousands of miles away. The company claims this saves nurses a substantial amount of time, freeing them up to spend more time on clinical tasks.
Other uses of AR include augmented advertising, which can show the customer relevant ads or promotions that are based on their location and context. Moreover, a growing number of companies are using AR to display their products in a showroom or demonstration setting, allowing customers to see the product in a real-world environment before making a purchase decision.
The technology is also being used in a wide range of other applications, such as for training purposes. In military training, AR displays can display virtual information on combat pilots’ screens, providing them with flight info such as altitude, airspeed, and horizon line. Similarly, ground troops can use AR to practice military drills by displaying visualizations that help them understand terms and concepts related to a given operation.
Another application of AR is to improve the safety and efficiency of manufacturing processes. GE has been using AR to help factory workers wire wind turbines, achieving a 34% increase in productivity.
Many other industries, including automotive, are adopting AR for various types of tasks. In addition, a wide range of devices are being developed to deliver AR, including wearables and smartphones.
As a result, it’s important for firms to determine where AR is best suited and which types of applications it will have the most impact on their business operations. Visualize and instruct/guide applications are now delivering the most immediate payoff for companies, while interact capabilities are still emerging.
Enhanced training
AR glasses are training devices that combine digital information with the real world. These can be used for a wide range of tasks, including training employees to use machines or equipment safely.
For example, surgeons who are performing an operation involving heavy machinery can wear protective AR glasses that stream data in real time, while factory workers can learn to operate a machine by overlaying digital instructions on the physical space. This allows them to focus on their work while the information is still fresh in their minds, increasing learning efficiency and reducing risk of injury.
In addition to AR headsets, some companies also use retinal displays, which project images ar glasses and graphics directly onto the trainee’s retina. Compared to head-mounted units, these are unobtrusive and can be used in fixed lighting conditions.
Another type of AR technology uses software to mix digital renderings with the trainee’s surroundings. This can include video, photos, and 3D models.
The aerospace company Boeing is one of many industrial firms that employ augmented reality for training. They use Upskill’s Skylight to teach technicians how to wire airplanes and TK Elevator makes use of Microsoft HoloLens to help elevator service technicians learn about maintenance procedures.
A major benefit of using augmented reality for training is that it reduces the need for costly in-person and online seminars or classrooms. This eliminates cognitive barriers and saves employers money.
In addition, it enables new hires to get used to the physical layout of the organization, allowing them to navigate their way through the facility without getting lost. Alternatively, it can be used for retail sales training, helping employees to tour the sales floor or prepare for customer interaction.
Moreover, it helps employees make well-informed decisions on products they are interested in, which reduces the chance of errors and increases their overall performance. This kind of training can be especially useful in industries that involve high-risk situations or dangerous environments, such as defense, disaster management, and firefighting.
Before deciding to implement AR technology for training, it is important to consider the needs and objectives of the program. This will ensure that the technology is implemented in a manner that meets the goals of the training and complies with industry-specific requirements and regulations.
Enhanced collaboration
Enhanced collaboration is a vital part of any business, and wearable AR glasses are one way to make this easier. These devices let you connect with colleagues from anywhere in the world through video streaming and live chat, and you can use them to view images, annotations, or schematics in front of your eyes.
As a result, you can work more efficiently than ever before. For example, a remote expert can provide instructions and advice for field engineers working in challenging environments. This makes it possible for the engineer to complete a job without having to travel and save time on their travel costs.
Another way to enhance collaboration is through the use of 3D models, maps and point clouds. These can be used during all phases of a project to identify issues before spending money on physical construction or installation.
This is particularly useful in fields such as manufacturing where it can be hard to visualise how different parts of a machine will look when built. With AR, you can create a digital twin of a product or piece of equipment and view it in real-time, enabling teams to see how it will work before the project is even started.
It’s also a great way to keep an eye on your team members. Whether they’re in the office or on the go, you can monitor their performance and run improvements as needed.
You could even use augmented reality for inspections, which can help you ensure safety and reduce accidents in the workplace. This could be done in a variety of ways, from using augmented reality to scan for dangerous areas of a building or to provide a virtual walkthrough of the work area before starting work.
Moreover, AR can be used for training purposes to deliver step-by-step instruction for new tools or technologies. This can be especially helpful in fields such as manufacturing or medical.
Microsoft’s HoloLens and Google’s Glass Enterprise 2 are some of the best AR glasses for enhancing collaboration, but there are many more options out there. For example, Lenovo’s ThinkReality A3 headset is a good option for those who want to give their PC-based work a little more collaborative power. It also supports a range of third-party apps.
