Augmented reality: The new interface between humans and machines

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• April 12, 2022

Insight summary

The immense potential of augmented reality (AR) is transforming how we create, educate, and interact, opening doors to new forms of storytelling, entertainment, and practical applications across various industries. From enhancing medical training and assisting with equipment maintenance to revolutionizing the creative process for designers and architects, AR is reshaping traditional practices. The long-term implications of this technology include shifts in labor market demands, the need for new regulations around privacy and security, and environmental considerations related to manufacturing and recycling.

Augmented reality context

The immense potential to create, educate and interact with AR is gaining popularity. According to research firm Statista, the combined revenue for the augmented and virtual reality market is projected to reach USD $31.1 billion in 2023. Within this market, AR software is expected to be the largest segment, with a market volume of USD $11.6 billion. Companies are realizing the benefits of AR and have started incorporating the technology into their strategies and marketing campaigns.

AR offers an interactive experience in which real-world objects are augmented with computer-generated perceptual data, sometimes across several sensory modalities. AR technology adds layers of information to any real-world physical object by projecting digital pictures onto it. Unlike VR, it does not build a whole new environment but rather builds upon or improves existing physical objects by making them more informative and interactive.

The information provided by the camera stream is used by computer vision tech to comprehend what is in the world around the user. This stream enables AR solutions to display digital content that is relevant to what the user is looking at and is rendered realistically so that it appears to be a part of the real 3D world. As AR technologies advance, the experiences they enable can become so seamlessly intertwined with the physical world that they can be seen as part of the real world. AR, in this sense, modifies one's ongoing perception of real-world environments.

Disruptive impact

While AR has been a part of the technological landscape since the late 1960s, many organizations have yet to fully tap into its potential. However, as more AR apps are developed and released, the market state may change. AR has the potential to alter narratives and the way content is experienced by creating a new medium, unrestricted by physical limitations. 

For example, content creators may replace traditional screens with entire 360-degree fields of vision that enable the creation of content with unprecedented levels of immersion and experience. This approach opens doors to new forms of storytelling, entertainment, and education. Whether it is a virtual tour of a historical site or an interactive educational module, AR offers a more engaging and interactive experience.

AR technology can also assist businesses by making processes more efficient and providing more opportunities for people to collaborate and work together. The technology can empower individuals to exercise and enhance their abilities, utilize machine learning capabilities, and consume new digital information. In the workplace, AR may dramatically change training and skill development by allowing individuals to execute sophisticated work without the need for lengthy and costly in-person teaching.

Implications of augmented reality

Wider implications of AR may include:

• Enhanced medical training in a range of contexts, from using MRI machines to performing complex surgeries, leading to more precise and informed medical procedures. (Doctors may better acquaint themselves with human anatomy using an AR headset, which allows them to explore the human body in an interactive 3D format.)
• Assisting with the maintenance and repair of complicated equipment by utilizing AR glasses and headsets, leading to quicker and more accurate repairs on site.
• Helping professionals, such as interior designers, architects, engineers, and designers visualize their final products during the creative process, leading to more cohesive and client-aligned designs.
• Maximizing cost savings and efficiency across many areas of business logistics, including transportation, route optimization, and warehousing, leading to reduced operational costs and more sustainable business practices.
• The integration of AR in education, allowing students to interact with historical events, scientific concepts, and literary works in a virtual environment, leading to enhanced learning experiences and retention.
• The potential for governments to utilize AR in urban planning and development, leading to more efficient use of space and resources, and better alignment with community needs and environmental considerations.
• The creation of new job roles and the transformation of existing ones, particularly in industries such as entertainment, healthcare, and engineering, leading to shifts in labor market demands and the need for specialized training.
• The possibility of AR contributing to digital divide issues, where access to the latest technology may be limited to those who can afford it, leading to unequal opportunities in education, employment, and access to services.
• The need for new regulations and ethical considerations around privacy and security, particularly as AR applications may collect and utilize personal and location data, leading to enhanced consumer protection but also potential challenges in implementation.

Questions to consider

• Do you think that AR may be overhyped or is it set to become the new industry standard in content creation and delivery?
• Can you think of other applications or uses for AR technology?
• Which AR applications would you consider using personally or in your organization?