Augmented Reality (AR), the technology that blends digital information with the real world, has revolutionized our lives in ways unimaginable just a few decades ago. But when did this transformative journey truly begin? Let’s delve into the fascinating history of AR and its pioneers.
The Genesis: The 1960s
The seeds of AR were sown in the 1960s, with Ivan Sutherland’s “The Ultimate Display” – a head-mounted display that overlaid virtual images onto real-world scenes. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for future AR developments.
The 1970s: From Lab to Reality
In 1972, Thomas Caudell coined the term “augmented reality” while working at Boeing. He envisioned a system that would allow engineers to view digital data about an aircraft overlaid on the physical plane itself. This concept was put into practice in the 1980s with the development of the “Eye-Tap” system.
The 1990s: The Dawn of Practical AR
The 1990s saw the emergence of practical AR applications. One notable example is the “Virtual Fixtures” system developed by Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino at the University of Illinois. This system allowed workers in a factory to see virtual tools overlaid on their workspace, enhancing productivity.
The 2000s: AR Goes Mainstream
The turn of the millennium marked the beginning of AR’s mainstream adoption. In 2000, Nintendo released the “Pokémon Go” predecessor, “Balloon Boy,” which used AR to bring characters into the real world. Apple’s introduction of ARKit in 2017 further propelled AR into the hands of millions.
The Present: A New Reality
Today, AR is an integral part of our daily lives, from gaming and entertainment to education and healthcare. AR apps like Snapchat Lenses and IKEA Place have become commonplace, demonstrating the technology’s potential to transform industries.
As we look towards the future, it’s clear that AR will continue to reshape our world in ways we can only imagine today. The question isn’t when AR will make its next big leap, but what form that leap will take.
FAQs
- Who coined the term “augmented reality”?
- Thomas Caudell in 1972.
- What was the first practical AR application?
- The “Virtual Fixtures” system developed by Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino at the University of Illinois in the 1990s.
- When did Apple introduce ARKit?
- In 2017.