Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information on top of the real world. AR has been around for decades, but it wasn’t until the early 21st century that it became widely adopted and used in various applications.
What is Augmented Reality?
AR is a computer-generated image or video that is superimposed on top of the real world. This technology allows users to see digital information in addition to their physical surroundings. AR is different from virtual reality (VR) in that it enhances the user’s view of the real world rather than replacing it with a simulated environment.
The Early History of Augmented Reality
AR can be traced back to the 1960s when researchers at MIT developed the first AR system, called the Sword of Damocles. The Sword of Damocles used a head-mounted display (HMD) to overlay digital information on top of the real world. This system was used for military applications and allowed soldiers to see real-time information about their surroundings.
In the 1970s, researchers at the University of Utah developed another AR system called the Utah Teapot. This system used a projector to overlay digital images on top of the real world. The Utah Teapot was used for research purposes and allowed researchers to study how people interacted with digital information in the real world.
In the 1980s, AR technology became more widely available as personal computers became more powerful. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a system called ARToolKit that allowed developers to create AR applications for personal computers. This system was used to develop a variety of AR games and educational software.
The Rise of Augmented Reality in the 21st Century
In the early 21st century, AR technology began to gain widespread adoption as smartphones and tablets became more powerful and affordable. In 2009, Apple introduced ARKit, a framework that allowed developers to create AR applications for iOS devices. This led to the development of a variety of AR games and educational software.
In addition to gaming and education, AR technology has also been used in industries such as advertising, marketing, and design. For example, IKEA’s AR app allows customers to see how furniture would look in their home before they buy it. This has led to increased customer satisfaction and reduced returns.
Summary
AR technology has a long history that dates back to the 1960s when researchers at MIT developed the first AR system, called the Sword of Damocles. Since then, AR technology has continued to evolve and has become widely adopted in various applications such as gaming, education, advertising, and marketing. Today, AR technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives as smartphones and other devices continue to become more powerful and affordable.