Blog_Banner_Asset
    Homebreadcumb forward arrow iconBlogbreadcumb forward arrow iconArtificial Intelligencebreadcumb forward arrow iconFuture of Augmented Reality: How AR Will Transform The Tech World

Future of Augmented Reality: How AR Will Transform The Tech World

Last updated:
11th Jun, 2020
Views
Read Time
6 Mins
share image icon
In this article
Chevron in toc
View All
Future of Augmented Reality: How AR Will Transform The Tech World

Introduction

If you have played Pokémon Go, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite or The Walking Dead: Our World, you have sampled augmented reality. These games blur the line between reality and fantasy and are the product of avant-garde technology. So what does the future of augmented reality look like?

Top Machine Learning and AI Courses Online

You may be surprised to learn that augmented reality (AR) has been doing the rounds for more than 50 years. Way back in 1968, Ivan Sutherland created the prototype of the head-mounted AR device and called it the Sword of Damocles. In 1990, Tom Caudell, a researcher with Boeing coined the term Augmented Reality. 

The technology kept evolving and finally in 1992, the US Air Force Research Laboratory crafted an AR system that is completely immersive, rather like the game realities that we are hooked on to today. 

Ads of upGrad blog

Since then Augmented Reality has been put to use by NASA, it has been utilized in theatre production, LIVE broadcast of NFL games, the automobile industry, and even the Esquire Magazine to feature Robert Downey Jr, who addresses the reader when the magazine is flipped open. 

Trending Machine Learning Skills

Enrol for the Machine Learning Course from the World’s top Universities. Earn Masters, Executive PGP, or Advanced Certificate Programs to fast-track your career.

Like with all technologies that are hot property, computer scientists will keep experimenting with AR to take it to new heights. 

Future of augmented reality: a prophecy

We are increasingly becoming more dependent on AR-based apps and software, which is why Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft are investing heavily in augmented reality. The market value of AR mobile devices will shoot past $1.5 billion in the near future. 

So, the future of augmented reality is set to redefine ours!

AR and shopping

An upcoming vital retail trend is the use of AR-assisted shopping apps. 100 million people are expected to be using this technology in the next few months. 50% of people surveyed in a study stated that they would like to shop from retailers who use AR technology. 

This integration of AR into shopping has been made possible by the exponential growth in the sale of AR-supported mobile devices and the retail industry can now employ unfailing and reliable AR technology, which will benefit customers, retailers, the makers of the products and the distributors.

Know more: Artificial Intelligence: Taking or Rather Taken Over

Robust presence of AR in navigation

Google maps dominate the outdoor navigation market. But, not many forays have been made into indoor navigation. The future of augmented reality is set to change that. You might be wondering why indoor navigation is such a big deal. But, if you have been to a large airport, a big hospital, a sprawling university campus, or a towering office building with confusing signs, you will know that people get flustered trying to find their way to their destination. 

But, AR can provide you detailed directions and people who find reading maps hard can use it with élan because the technology will offer a 3D rendering of the place with meticulous instructions on which turns to take, arrows, and distance indications.

Google’s ARCore and Apple’s ARKit are working on software and apps that will soon put to an end all your navigational woes. Google has already incorporated AR walking instructions and guides with its Maps. Users simply have to point and swivel their phone camera around themselves to acquire data in real-time. 

Improved product design linked to the future of augmented reality

3D models on computer screens are passé. With computer scientists tinkering and enhancing AR technology, very soon immersive realistic reproduction of the product being designed will create a new benchmark of product development.

Ford has already tentatively adopted AR to create car designs. This is slated to slash production costs and save time. 

Large enterprises are eager about augmented reality

Multi-billion dollar enterprises have high stakes in the future of augmented reality. Retail giants Tyson and Walmart are creating AR training methods to give their employees a thorough understanding of how to run the stores, where danger may lie and the safety precautions that need to be complied with and this trend will soon be picked up by their competitors. In fact, AR-assisted training will reach the 6 billion dollar mark by 2022. 

Technology firms too will be banking on augmented reality for testing, prototyping, quality checks and troubleshooting.  

Augmented reality powered by artificial intelligence

What happens when the two hottest technology trends join hands? Development in all avenues of human endeavors, of course. The two industries that the future of augmented reality stands to benefit are computation and healthcare. Human-machine systems featuring the AR-AI team can accurately diagnose diseases, predict outcomes, and suggest the best course of action to doctors. 

Similarly, computer technology to is likely to get a boost. Enterprises like Amazon, Walmart, and Alibaba are heavily reliant on their recommendation engine that in turn depends on machine learning and data analysis to deliver the best possible results and hits. But what if they were to step out of the browser and into reality? Augmented reality, mixed reality, and artificial intelligence can together flawlessly predict consumer needs based on their profiles, search history, and purchase history. 

Read: Cloud Computing Project Ideas

The future of augmented reality will revolutionize search engines 

WebAR is something the world is waiting for with bated breath. Chrome AR is set to be launched in 2020. The reason everyone’s so excited about WebAR is that it promises a futuristic browsing experience powered by augmented reality. Essentially, when you open any link, your camera will activate (with your permission) and the content will be relayed in AR form. Browsing will become an immersive experience. You will not be required to install specific AR-supporting apps when you use WebAR. 

Following in the footsteps of Chrome, Mozilla too is experimenting with AR to make it available with Firefox. 

Also read: Top 7 Trends in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

The future of augmented reality brings a promise of safety

Structural failings, the inability to anticipate possible flaws in architectural plans, and the inadequate imposition of safety regulations lead to grievous injuries and fatalities. But such devastating accidents can be avoided with the help of augmented reality.

Ads of upGrad blog

When towns are being expanded or new construction plans are drawn up, augmented reality can help the architects envision where things can go wrong. Similarly, managers in professions such as mining, timbering, and fishery or in assembly lines and factories will be able to anticipate and hence eliminate workplace injuries with AR. 

Popular AI and ML Blogs & Free Courses

Conclusion

The whole world is looking forward to the future of augmented reality because it can make our lives more secure and hassle-free. AR can make the impossible possible. Humans have always strived to improve themselves through exploration and invention. Augmented reality is a representation of this intrinsic human trait. 

If you’re interested to learn more about machine learning, check out IIIT-B & upGrad’s PG Diploma in Machine Learning & AI which is designed for working professionals and offers 450+ hours of rigorous training, 30+ case studies & assignments, IIIT-B Alumni status, 5+ practical hands-on capstone projects & job assistance with top firms.

Profile

Pavan Vadapalli

Blog Author
Director of Engineering @ upGrad. Motivated to leverage technology to solve problems. Seasoned leader for startups and fast moving orgs. Working on solving problems of scale and long term technology strategy.
Get Free Consultation

Selectcaret down icon
Select Area of interestcaret down icon
Select Work Experiencecaret down icon
By clicking 'Submit' you Agree to  
UpGrad's Terms & Conditions

Our Popular Machine Learning Course

Explore Free Courses

Suggested Blogs

15 Interesting MATLAB Project Ideas & Topics For Beginners [2024]
82459
Diving into the world of engineering and data science, I’ve discovered the potential of MATLAB as an indispensable tool. It has accelerated my c
Read More

by Pavan Vadapalli

09 Jul 2024

5 Types of Research Design: Elements and Characteristics
47126
The reliability and quality of your research depend upon several factors such as determination of target audience, the survey of a sample population,
Read More

by Pavan Vadapalli

07 Jul 2024

Biological Neural Network: Importance, Components & Comparison
50612
Humans have made several attempts to mimic the biological systems, and one of them is artificial neural networks inspired by the biological neural net
Read More

by Pavan Vadapalli

04 Jul 2024

Production System in Artificial Intelligence and its Characteristics
86790
The AI market has witnessed rapid growth on the international level, and it is predicted to show a CAGR of 37.3% from 2023 to 2030. The production sys
Read More

by Pavan Vadapalli

03 Jul 2024

AI vs Human Intelligence: Difference Between AI & Human Intelligence
112990
In this article, you will learn about AI vs Human Intelligence, Difference Between AI & Human Intelligence. Definition of AI & Human Intelli
Read More

by Pavan Vadapalli

01 Jul 2024

Career Opportunities in Artificial Intelligence: List of Various Job Roles
89553
Artificial Intelligence or AI career opportunities have escalated recently due to its surging demands in industries. The hype that AI will create tons
Read More

by Pavan Vadapalli

26 Jun 2024

Gini Index for Decision Trees: Mechanism, Perfect & Imperfect Split With Examples
70806
As you start learning about supervised learning, it’s important to get acquainted with the concept of decision trees. Decision trees are akin to
Read More

by MK Gurucharan

24 Jun 2024

Random Forest Vs Decision Tree: Difference Between Random Forest and Decision Tree
51730
Recent advancements have paved the growth of multiple algorithms. These new and blazing algorithms have set the data on fire. They help in handling da
Read More

by Pavan Vadapalli

24 Jun 2024

Basic CNN Architecture: Explaining 5 Layers of Convolutional Neural Network
270718
Introduction In the last few years of the IT industry, there has been a huge demand for once particular skill set known as Deep Learning. Deep Learni
Read More

by MK Gurucharan

21 Jun 2024

Schedule 1:1 free counsellingTalk to Career Expert
icon
footer sticky close icon