Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transformative forces revolutionizing various industries. Their immersive and interactive experiences are reshaping work, play, and learning. - By KAREN WHITE

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are not new technologies, but they have come a long way since their inception. Boeing officially coined the name “augmented reality” in 1990, while Jaron Lanier, founder of VPL Research and known as “the Father of VR,” popularized the term “virtual reality” in the 1980s. These technologies, once limited by bulky equipment, have now evolved significantly in terms of performance, equipment, and computer operating systems. They are present in many industries, including gaming, healthcare, education, retail, and navigation, revolutionizing the way we work, play, and learn.

Different Technologies with User Interaction

AR and VR are different technologies with similar goals. AR is a user-friendly technology that overlays digital information, such as images, videos, and data, onto the real-world environment in real-time. It enhances the user's perception of reality by adding virtual elements to their physical surroundings, creating an interactive and enriched experience. AR can be experienced through various devices, including smartphones, tablets, AR glasses, and headsets. Its key features are real-time interaction with the real world, providing context about the physical world to enhance understanding and engagement. It enables users to interact with virtual elements, including receiving feedback based on user actions.

VR, on the other hand, is a technology that creates a fully immersive, computer-generated environment that users can interact with in a seemingly real or physical way. It typically involves using a VR headset or goggles, which cover the user's field of vision, hand controllers, and sometimes other sensory devices like gloves or suits. The critical feature is immersion in that users are in a completely virtual environment that feels real through 360-degree visuals and spatial audio and user interaction with the virtual environment using controllers or motion-tracking devices. Users can pick up objects, experience a sense of touch, and move around.

The different features of AR and VR drive their best uses in various industries.

Transformative Technologies Fulfilling Expectations

Across industries, AR and VR are improving lives. They are not just entertaining technologies in the gaming industry, though it was an early adopter with popular games like AR-powered Pokémon GO. For example, the healthcare industry embraces AR and VR for various purposes. They include medical training with interactive 3D models and guides during medical procedures. There are VR-driven teaching curriculums, patient education programs, and views of 3D models. AR is used for live streaming, remote communication purposes, and sharing interventions between doctors and patients. The manufacturing industry is getting similar benefits from the technologies. AR and VR train technicians by providing detailed visualization of manufacturing equipment. AR and VR can create virtual simulations of various manufacturing processes, including product prototyping, inventory management, plant layouts, and improving safety by simulating potential issues before they develop. Hyundai uses VR and 3D digital tools for new vehicle and parts designs and to test models in scenarios mimicking the real world. The VR design evaluation system is powered on laptops designed to handle gaming features like 3D graphics and film industry motion technology. It simulates all aspects of vehicle design, including interior and exterior elements, lighting, and materials. Hyundai designers from all over the world can participate in the design process.

The logistics company DHL applied AR to inventory management. Using smart glasses and AR in a “vision picking” program, graphics are displayed on the smart glasses to guide workers through the warehouse, reducing errors, speeding up the picking process, and increasing efficiency. AR is also used to provide step-by-step instructions to employees while performing operational tasks, upskill workers, and accelerate the onboarding of new hires. In the education industry, VR and AR train professionals, provide immersive language learning experiences and educate students at all grade levels and in universities and colleges. For example, it enables exploring cultural landmarks and historical sites. Harvard University offers an introductory computer science class in which students wear smart glasses or VR headsets and appear to be sitting in a classroom even though they are at home. VR also can deliver education to individuals learning a second language. AR and VR translate lessons and make students more comfortable speaking during language sessions.

These are a few examples of how AR and VR are already used in some industries. The full power of these technologies is not felt yet, either, meaning the future holds many new opportunities. One of the points that should not be missed when considering the “glamor” of sophisticated technologies is that they may entertain and improve business functions, but they can also empower people and improve lives. The ability to assist people with language or improve workplace safety are two examples.

Far From Full Application

The utilization of AR and VR across a wide swath of industries is the first indication the future of the technologies will include further innovations. Developers have integrated artificial intelligence into VR and AR apps, but applications are still limited. Many people may not realize that when they shop on Amazon and IKEA, the ability to hold the smartphone up to the location where an item will be placed to see how it fits is AI and AR-powered. The same is true for the retail apps that let you virtually try on clothes.

AI is also increasingly being integrated into VR to enhance the immersive experience, improve interactivity, and create more realistic and dynamic virtual environments. For example, AI is used to create more realistic Intelligent Non-Player Characters (NPCs) that behave realistically and hold natural conversations. AR and VR are not just for training and educating. Filmmakers use AR to visualize scenes by overlaying digital elements onto real-world physical locations and enhancing scenes with digital characters and objects. They are using VR to virtually “walk through” scenes.

All signs point to a fascinating new virtual reality world in everyday life that is both fun and educational. Undoubtedly, AR and VR applications will expand as the technologies continue to become more powerful.