What is Augmented Reality (AR)?
AR is an enhanced version of reality, where digital information is superimposed onto real-life images or videos. In simple terms, it is adding a layer of digital content over real-life images or videos, making the scenes more interactive and engaging. The environments around us can become canvasses for live graphics and animations.The technology is not a new concept; it has been in use for some time now, including in mobile gaming apps such as Pokemon Go. However, with improvements in technology, AR is becoming more sophisticated, and its applications are expanding to new fields such as remote collaboration.AR has several benefits when it comes to remote collaboration. First, it can enhance the overall online meeting experience by providing visual, interactive content that increases engagement. Secondly, it enables virtual project demonstrations, site inspections and allows participants to experience different environments without physically setting foot on the premises.
How is AR used for remote collaboration?
AR can be used in remote collaboration platforms to facilitate interactive communication. Some of the examples of AR used in remote collaboration include:
Virtual product demonstrations: In remote product demonstrations, salespeople can present products in a more interactive way using augmented reality. For example, they can use a phone’s camera to place a product in the viewer’s surroundings, giving them a more realistic understanding of the product, and simulating an almost physical presence.
Collaboration on shared documents: Augmented reality can also be integrated into shared documents to make them more interactive. For example, workers on a project can use the technology to examine a three-dimensional model of a building plan.
Virtual site inspections: In situations where a physical inspection of a location might be challenging, remote site inspections using AR can come in handy. With AR technology, users can digitally inspect a location without being physically present and receive the same level of detail.
What are some of the challenges in implementing AR in remote collaboration?
Despite its many benefits, AR is still a relatively new technology, and implementing it in remote collaboration platforms can come with challenges. Some of the challenges that companies might need to overcome include:
Cost: AR technology can be expensive to implement, and setting up the required infrastructure can also come at a price. Depending on the size of a company, the cost of implementing AR can be a deterrent.
Accessibility: Some participants might not be able to use the technology, such as those with slow internet connectivity or devices incompatible with AR applications. This can be a disadvantage when conducting meetings that require equal participation from all parties.
Training and education: In some instances, remote collaboration using AR might require some form of training and education to fully leverage its benefits. Companies will need to invest in programmes to upskill their employees on the use of AR technology to avoid inefficiencies in the use of the technology.
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
VR is an immersive technology that creates a simulated environment, where users can interact with digital objects. Instead of just viewing digital content on a screen, users can immerse themselves in virtual worlds that can replicate real-life experiences, such as walking on the moon or visiting an archaeological site thousands of miles away.VR provides an immersive experience that allows users to interact with their surroundings and manipulate objects using hand-held controllers or sensors attached to their bodies. For remote collaboration, VR presents exciting opportunities for participants to collaborate in virtual rooms and interact with one another using avatars.
How is VR used for remote collaboration?
VR can be used in remote collaboration to create a virtual workspace. In a virtual workspace, participants can interact with each other using avatars that allow them to move around and manipulate objects. Some of the applications of VR in remote collaboration include:
Virtual meetings: In virtual meetings, participants can engage in conversation as they would in traditional meetings. Using avatars and virtual rooms, participants can interact in a virtual environment that replicates a physical workspace.
Collaboration on shared documents: In VR, participants can work collaboratively on shared documents and manipulate them using hand controllers.
Training sessions: VR can also be used for remote training sessions, where participants can simulate real-life scenarios and learn through experience. For example, a surgeon can practice surgical procedures in a virtual environment before performing them in the real world.
What are some of the challenges in implementing VR in remote collaboration?
VR technology has several advantages when it comes to remote collaboration. However, it is not without its challenges.
Cost: VR technology can be expensive to implement, and setting up the required infrastructure can come at a price. Companies might need to invest in high-performance computers to support VR technology.
Accessibility: Some participants might not be able to use VR technology, such as those with motion sickness or those without compatible devices. This can be a limitation when conducting meetings that require equal participation from all parties.
Training and education: Just like AR, remote collaboration using VR might require some form of training and education to fully leverage its benefits. Companies will need to invest in programmes to upskill their employees on the use of VR technology to avoid inefficiencies.
Real-Life Examples of AR and VR in Remote Collaboration
There has been an increase in the number of companies and organisations implementing AR and VR technologies in remote collaboration. Here are some examples:
Remote Site Inspections using AR: In industries such as Oil & Gas and Construction, site inspections can be expensive and time-consuming. Using AR technology, remote inspections can be conducted in real-time, saving time and reducing costs. Shell, for example, uses AR technology to inspect oil rigs remotely.
Virtual Workspace using VR: In January 2021, Spatial, a VR remote collaboration tool, announced that it had raised $14 million to expand its virtual workspace offering. With Spatial, participants can design and manipulate objects in 3D, interact with digital content and each other using avatars.
Remote Product Demonstrations using AR: Ikea, the furniture giant, has been using AR technology to allow customers to view the company’s products in their homes before making a purchase. In 2017, Ikea released an AR app that allowed customers to place virtual furniture in their homes before making a purchase. The technology has since been used in product demonstrations.
Conclusion
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) present exciting opportunities for remote collaboration. The technology is not without its challenges, as discussed in this article, but its benefits far outweigh the limitations. With the ongoing pandemic, businesses and organisations are looking for new ways to collaborate remotely, and AR and VR seem to have found a significant place in this arena.Implementing AR and VR technologies in remote collaboration can come at a cost, but the investment can lead to increased productivity, reduced costs, and better outcomes. Companies and organisations should consider the potential of AR and VR technologies in remote collaboration and study real-life examples before implementing them.See you again in another interesting article.
