
Augmented Reality is next big thing in the tech world. Microsoft, Apple and Google are betting big for this advanced concept. When we look at augmented reality we need to understand how this technology works. When it is said that we can place digital objects in the real world what exactly do we mean by this. Well the technology works by overlaying a transparent computer displaying system onto the real world. This allows you to see objects in 3D in your own space. Some Augmented Reality experiences allows you to interact with objects and move these objects around, animate the objects, make them bigger and smaller or interact with it just like you would with a smartphone or computer based system. Augmented reality is a technology that models physical objects in a gamified environment. You are probably already familiar with some applications of augmented reality such as Pokemon Go. When you use these apps, you stand in a real world environment and can see images of Pokemon superimposed on your screen. This technology has many applications in the future. The idea of a digital object being placed in the real world is quite a hit. Augmented reality is the process of overlaying digital imagery onto the real world. This has proved to be a very lucrative focus for developers. For example, Pokemon Go is a wildly popular game that allows players to run around their city capturing imaginary creatures. How they actually do this is by tapping into the cameras on their phone and overlaying this imagery onto the real world. This was a technology that many developers were eager to profit on. Yet despite how popular augmented reality has become, there is actually a lot of controversy surrounding this specific field. This is why augmented reality is gaining popularity. It allows you to superimpose computer programs over your real world environment. This leads to some very novel applications. For example, you might use it to make your phone camera see realistic 3d animal overlays that are not there. Also, you might use it to make your games have a more realistic UI. It's useful, right? but there are more use cases that generate hype and get more people to develop more creative solutions around AR. Augmented reality is a technology that lets us mix reality with a technological overlay. This overlay can be used for a number of different applications. An exciting trend we've seen is to create a gaming overlay, allowing users to immerse themselves in the environment of their games. However, I think we are yet to see how this technology can be applied to education. As students today grow up they are constantly bombarded by information. Where previously students might be taught by just their teacher, nowadays students are exposed to hundreds of thousands of different sources. This has created an environment where the students must learn to curate their own information and concentrate on relevant lessons. I believe augmented reality could help ease the burden. Imagine a teacher creating an overlay over a difficult topic and letting the students interact to better understand the topic. In education, AR can be used to enhance learning experiences by providing interactive, visual aids that help students understand complex concepts. For example, students might use an AR app to view and manipulate 3D models of scientific concepts, such as molecules or geological formations. In entertainment, AR can be used to create immersive, interactive experiences, such as games or virtual reality (VR) attractions. For example, AR games might allow players to interact with digital characters or objects that appear to be part of the real world. In industry, AR can be used to improve efficiency and accuracy in a variety of tasks. For example, workers in manufacturing or maintenance roles might use AR to access instructions or diagrams while they work, or to view and manipulate digital models of equipment or systems. AR can also be used in training programs to provide simulated experiences that prepare workers for real-world tasks. Augmented reality (AR) is being used in the medical industry in a variety of ways, including training, education, and patient care. One common use of AR in the medical field is for training and education. For example, medical students and professionals might use AR to practice procedures, view and manipulate 3D models of anatomy, or learn about new medical technologies. AR can also be used to create simulations of medical scenarios, allowing trainees to gain experience in a controlled environment before working with real patients. Augmented Reality in education is being used through AR headsets or glasses. These devices allow students to view and interact with digital content in a more immersive way, as if it were part of the real world. For example, a student might use an AR headset to participate in a virtual field trip, or to view and manipulate 3D models of historical events or scientific concepts. In History and Museums: a museum visitor might use an AR app to view a 3D model of an ancient artifact, or to learn more about a particular exhibit by accessing additional information or multimedia content. In Travel: These Travel Augmented Reality apps allow travelers to view and interact with digital content, such as 3D models or multimedia content, that is superimposed onto the real world. For example, a traveler might use an AR app to view a virtual tour of a historic site, or to learn more about a particular attraction by accessing additional information or multimedia content. As you can see from the list above augmented reality is a technology that is used in a few different ways. One of the most interesting of these is using augmented reality in education. To see why this is the case take a look at the list above. In education, the use of augmented reality can help students view an actual object projected right onto their desk. This way they can see what something looks like in its natural habitat. What really sets augmented reality and education apart is how it can be used to explain cellular biology and neurobiology. Educators can project cells and brain cells directly onto a students desk. Now students can literally reach out and touch the cell just about anywhere. The same concept can be done for neuro cells. Now students can literally pick apart a cell and see the processes inside and out. This can help students in their understanding of complex subjects. When it came to gaming, augmented reality is used in a unique way. Developers use it to create dynamic game environments in which students can learn using 3D Visualization, Immersive Content and Gamification. In this day and age it is hard to imagine that there was ever a time when we did not have to access information digitally. The latest technological advances have meant that almost everything we do is now done digitally. Much of this information is now available immediately via our smartphones. Truth-be-told; however, a lot of this information is readily available online via the ever popular search engine Google. Recently google has released a new technology known as Augmented Reality (AR). In essence this allows you to very quickly and easily access a treasure trove of information and even view the results in Augmented Reality in your own space and time.
Herman Moolman
Specializing in augmented reality solutions and spatial computing, delivering cutting-edge experiences while sharing the latest news, insights, and developments shaping the AR industry.
