What are some uses of augmented reality (AR) in business

Retail Industry:

AR has revolutionized the retail industry by enhancing product visualization, enabling customers to see products from various angles and perspectives before making a purchase decision. This technology provides customers with a better sense of how products will fit into their space or on their body.

For instance, IKEA’s AR Kitchen app allows users to visualize furniture in their homes using their smartphones’ cameras to create 3D models that are overlaid onto the real world. The app helps customers make informed decisions by providing them with a better understanding of how furniture will look and fit in their space.

Another use case for AR in retail is virtual fitting rooms. With AR, customers can try on clothes virtually before they make a purchase. This technology is particularly useful for online retailers, where customers cannot try on items in person.

The fashion retailer H&M’s AR Try On app enables customers to see how clothes would look on them using their smartphones to create 3D models of themselves and then overlay different clothing options onto the model. This technology allows customers to see how different styles and colors would look on them without having to physically try them on.

Healthcare Industry:

AR is transforming the healthcare industry by enhancing patient care and improving surgical outcomes. In medical training and education, AR can be used to simulate procedures such as suturing, intubation, and surgery, allowing medical students and professionals to practice in a safe and controlled environment without risking harm to patients.

For example, Vuforia’s AR app allows doctors to monitor patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease using their smartphones or tablets. The app uses the camera on a patient’s device to track vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and glucose levels and transmits this information in real-time to healthcare providers, enabling them to make adjustments to treatment plans as needed.

In addition to medical training, AR is also being used for remote patient monitoring. This technology enables healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely using their smartphones or tablets, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving accessibility to care.

For example, the company Aurasense has developed an AR app that allows doctors to monitor patients with chronic conditions such as COPD and asthma. The app uses the camera on a patient’s device to track respiratory rate and other vital signs and transmits this information in real-time to healthcare providers, enabling them to make adjustments to treatment plans as needed.

Healthcare Industry

Manufacturing Industry:

AR is transforming the manufacturing industry by improving efficiency and reducing costs. In assembly line work, AR can be used to provide workers with step-by-step instructions on their smartphones or tablets, eliminating the need for physical instruction manuals.

This technology allows workers to complete tasks more quickly and accurately, reducing downtime and improving quality control. For example, General Motors uses AR to provide workers with real-time information about how to assemble a car engine block, enabling them to work more efficiently and accurately.

In addition to assembly line work, AR is also being used for maintenance and repair. With AR, technicians can access real-time information about a machine or piece of equipment, allowing them to make repairs more quickly and efficiently.

For example, the company GE has developed an AR app that allows technicians to diagnose and repair wind turbines without having to visit the site in person. The app uses the camera on a technician’s smartphone to display real-time data about the turbine, including temperature, pressure, and vibration levels, enabling them to make repairs more quickly and efficiently.

Education Industry:

AR is transforming the education industry by enhancing learning experiences. For example, AR can be used for virtual field trips, allowing students to explore historical or scientific sites without leaving the classroom.

With AR, students can interact with virtual objects and see how they work in a 3D environment. This technology allows students to gain a deeper understanding of complex concepts and subjects. For instance, the company Discovery VR has developed an AR app that enables students to explore the human body in 3D using their smartphones or tablets.

The app uses AR to provide students with a detailed and interactive view of the human body, enabling them to learn about different systems and functions more effectively.

In conclusion, augmented reality is revolutionizing various industries such as retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and education. This technology provides users with an interactive experience that blends the real and virtual worlds, enabling them to interact with both physical and digital elements.

AR has transformed the way we work, learn, and interact, providing us with new opportunities for innovation and growth. As this technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting use cases and applications across different industries.