Introduction
When we think of augmented reality (AR), we tend to think of it as a technology for gaming, entertainment or advertising. However, its potential in businesses is immense. AR technology has already brought substantial changes to many industries, and it will continue to do so in the future. In this article, we will explore the trends and innovations that will shape the future of AR in business until 2023.
In the last few years, we have seen an impressive growth of the AR market. According to a research report by MarketsandMarkets, the global AR market size is expected to reach USD 77.0 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46.6% during the forecast period from 2020 to 2025. The report also highlights several factors that are driving this growth: the increasing adoption of AR in e-commerce and retail, the rise of mobile and wearable devices, and the growing investments in AR by tech giants like Apple and Google.
The Benefits of AR in Business
AR can provide several advantages for businesses across different sectors:
- Better consumer experiences: AR can create immersive and interactive experiences for customers, enhancing their engagement and loyalty.
- Increased efficiency: AR can streamline processes, reducing errors, and optimizing workflows in manufacturing, logistics, and other industries.
- Enhanced training: AR can provide realistic and contextualized training for employees in fields like medicine, engineering, and military.
- Improved marketing: AR can offer new and innovative ways to engage customers and create memorable and shareable experiences.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the trends and innovations that will shape the future of AR in business:
1. AR in Retail and E-commerce
One of the most significant areas where AR can make a difference is retail and e-commerce. By using AR, retailers can offer customers a virtual try-on experience, allowing them to visualize how products will look on them before purchasing. This can be particularly useful for fashion, cosmetics, and eyewear. According to a report by Gartner, by 2022, 70% of enterprises will be experimenting with immersive technologies for consumer and enterprise use, and it will take until 2028 for these technologies to become mainstream.
One notable example of using AR in retail is the Ikea Place app, which allows customers to visualize how furniture pieces will look in their own homes. Similarly, Sephora’s Virtual Artist app uses AR to allow customers to try on different makeup products virtually.
2. AR in Manufacturing and Logistics
AR can also bring significant benefits to manufacturing and logistics. In manufacturing, AR can provide workers with real-time information on assembly instructions, quality control, and maintenance tasks. This can reduce errors and improve productivity. In logistics, AR can optimize warehouse operations by providing workers with visual and audio cues for picking, packing, and shipping of goods.
One example of using AR in manufacturing is GE’s Brilliant Factory initiative, which aims to use AR to optimize the assembly process of gas turbines. Similarly, DHL’s Vision Picking program uses smart glasses with AR capabilities to increase efficiency in warehouse operations.
3. AR in Training and Education
AR can revolutionize the way we learn and train in different fields. By using AR, learners can experience realistic and interactive simulations of complex tasks, enhancing their skills and knowledge. This can be particularly useful in fields like medicine, engineering, and military, where hands-on training is crucial.
One notable example of using AR in education is the Medivis platform, which offers AR-based surgical planning and guidance for physicians. Similarly, the DAQRI Smart Helmet uses AR to provide workers with real-time information and instructions for complex tasks.
4. AR in Marketing and Advertising
AR can offer new and innovative ways to create compelling, interactive, and memorable marketing campaigns. By using AR, brands can provide customers with immersive and personalized experiences, increasing their engagement and loyalty. AR can also improve brand awareness and recall by creating shareable and viral content.
One notable example of using AR in marketing is the recent AR filter launched by Coca-Cola Brazil, which allowed users to interact with a 3D version of its iconic contour bottle in real-time. Another example is the AR-powered marketing campaign created by Pepsi Max, which used augmented reality to create an interactive bus-shelter campaign in London in 2014.
5. AR and Wearable Devices
The rise of wearable devices like smart glasses and smartwatches is opening new opportunities for AR in business. By using AR, these devices can provide users with hands-free access to information and instructions, improving their productivity and safety.
One notable example of using AR in wearables is the Microsoft HoloLens, which offers a hands-free AR experience for workers in manufacturing, medical, and other fields. Similarly, the Vuzix Blade is a smart glasses product that provides real-time information to workers in logistics and field services.
6. AR and 5G Networks
The rollout of 5G networks is expected to have a significant impact on AR adoption in business. With faster networks and lower latency, AR applications can provide more seamless and immersive experiences for users. 5G can also enable AR applications that rely on cloud-based rendering and processing, reducing the need for powerful local hardware.
One notable example of using AR and 5G is the recent collaboration between Niantic and Qualcomm, which aims to bring AR experiences to millions of users with lower latency and higher bandwidth capabilities.
Conclusion
The future of AR in business is bright, and the trends and innovations we discussed in this article are just the tip of the iceberg. As AR technology becomes more accessible, affordable, and reliable, we can expect to see it transforming various industries in the years to come.
Key Takeaway
AR technology has enormous potential for businesses, offering advantages like better customer experiences, increased efficiency, enhanced training, improved marketing, and more. The trends and innovations we explored in this article, such as AR in retail and e-commerce, manufacturing and logistics, training and education, marketing and advertising, wearable devices, and 5G networks, will undoubtedly shape the future of AR in business until 2023.
