Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that enhances or “augments” the real world with computer-generated information or virtual objects.
AR has been around for over 100 years, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that it started to become widely adopted in various industries.
Early beginnings:
The concept of augmented reality can be traced back to the 19th century when inventors like Charles Sanders Peale and Eadweard Muybridge experimented with overlaying images on real objects. However, these attempts were limited by the technology available at the time.
In the early 20th century, scientists like Ivan Sutherland began exploring the possibilities of creating interactive computer-generated environments. In 1968, he created “Skywriter,” a program that allowed users to draw shapes in the sky using a light pen. This was one of the first examples of AR, as it overlaid virtual objects on the real world.
The birth of modern AR:
In the 2000s, advancements in mobile technology and computer processing power led to the development of more sophisticated AR systems. In 2003, a team at the University of Illinois created “ARToolKit,” which was one of the first open-source AR development platforms. This allowed developers to create AR applications for various devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Another key milestone in the evolution of AR was the launch of Apple’s iPhone in 2007. The iPhone’s touch screen and built-in camera made it a powerful platform for AR development. This led to the creation of many popular AR apps, such as Ingress and Pokemon Go.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, augmented reality has been around for over 100 years, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that it became widely adopted in various industries. The development of mobile technology and computer processing power allowed for more sophisticated AR systems to be created, leading to the launch of popular AR apps like Ingress and Pokemon Go. Today, AR continues to evolve and is being used in a wide range of applications, from gaming to education to medicine.