Augmented reality (AR) describes an interactive, three-dimensional experience combining the real world with computer-generated elements. Another way to think of augmented reality is that the technology is an enhanced version of the real physical world. This enhancement is driven by computer-generated perceptual information across multiple modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, and even olfactory.
Augmented reality devices began to emerge in the 1960s and 70s, with the first wearable technology released in 1980. The ARindustry is finally exploding by the 2020s, thus transforming into a multi-billion dollar industry.
ScienceSoft
ScienceSoft is a company with over 16 years of experience in augmented reality and 25 years in 3D visualization and analysissoftware, particularly in the oil and gas industry.
ScienceSoft AR apps can scan real-life surroundings with a camera lens and translate the data into a depth map for realistic 3D model placement. The app can also be trained to recognize specific two-dimensional images and three-dimensional real-life objects.
The company’s augmented reality products are also used by trainee doctors to simulate various medical procedures. What’s more, retail businesses use the technology to create virtual fitting rooms, catalogs, or entire virtual supermarkets.
Niantic
Niantic is a self-described leader in augmented reality.
Many people know Niantic as the creator of Pokémon Go, a mobile game that brought augmented reality to the masses and remains the most popular such game today. The company, which is a Google spin-off, is also behind the games Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and Ingress Prime.
Niantic’s real-world ARplatform Niantic Lightship claims to be able to accommodate hundreds of millions of users and manages shared state, communication, security, mapping, and other AR functionality.
Apple
Apple is the world’s largest augmented reality platform, with hundreds of millions of AR-enabled devices and thousands of apps.
Some of the various ways the company is utilizing AR include:
Complete Anatomy – using a combination of LiDAR and Motion Capture, physiotherapists and their patients will be able to use AR to assist in mobility improvements during injury recovery.
Snapchat – perhaps the most mainstream use of augmented reality can be seen in the social networking app Snapchat. Using the LiDAR scanner on the iPhone, users can transform their space into a magical forest and have vines growing up their interior walls.
iScape – an app that helps visualize landscape design ideas for outdoor living.
JigSpace – for individuals who must know how everything works, JigSpace lets them learn about the inner workings of jet engines, coral reefs, and everything in between.
Lucyd
Lucyd is a company merging augmented reality with blockchain, releasing a portable line of ARsmart glasses in 2017.
The glasses rely on the company’s Lucyd Lab AR blockchain, with users having the opportunity to create content and apps in exchange for LCD coins – the company’s proprietary cryptocurrency.
Some of the core features of the glasses include a front camera, eye tracking, a built-in microphone, wireless charging, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Zappar
Zappar is the world’s leading augmented reality and creative studio with a focus on helping clients develop AR and WebAR strategies.
Specifically, the company uses award-winning SDKs, computer vision libraries, AR creative tools, CMS, and data dashboards to develop and deploy ARmarketing content. Zappar also provides training on designing and developing augmented reality products.
Key takeaways:
Augmented reality (AR) describes an interactive, three-dimensional experience combining the real world with computer-generated elements. ScienceSoft scans real-life surroundings with a camera lens and translates the data into a realistic 3D model placement. The company also sells technology to trainee medical professionals and retailers, among other things.
Niantic is a pioneer in augmented reality gaming, responsible for titles like Pokémon Go and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. Tech giant Apple also offers countless AR apps through the App Store.
Lucyd is a company merging augmented reality glasses with blockchain, while Zappar is a creative studio with a focus on using AR to drive brand awareness. The latter also provides training on designing and developing augmented reality experiences.
Gennaro is the creator of FourWeekMBA, which reached about four million business people, comprising C-level executives, investors, analysts, product managers, and aspiring digital entrepreneurs in 2022 alone | He is also Director of Sales for a high-tech scaleup in the AI Industry | In 2012, Gennaro earned an International MBA with emphasis on Corporate Finance and Business Strategy.
