Research has shown that we humans interact with the world visually since we process visual images many times faster than information presented in other forms, such as written text. Augmented reality (AR), like its virtual-reality (VR) cousin, enables us to experience an increased perception of our surrounding environment. The major difference is that AR adds to, or augments, the natural world with virtual objects such as text or other visuals, equipping us to interact safely and more efficiently within our natural environment, whereas VR immerses us within a synthetically created environment.
Combinations of AR and VR are often described as presenting us with a mixed reality (MR) (Fig. 1). Many of us may have already used AR in our everyday lives without necessarily being aware, such as when we use our mobile devices for street-level navigation or to play AR games like Pokémon Go.
1. Combining augmented reality and virtual reality creates a mixed reality.
One of the best examples of AR and its applications is the head-up display (HUD). Among simpler AR applications, HUDs are used in aviation and automotive applications to make pertinent vehicle information available without glancing at the instrument cluster. AR applications with more advanced capabilities, including wearable technologies (often called smart AR), are predicted to be worth $2.3 billion by 2020 according to Tractica.
Augmented Reality Enhances Our Lives
AR is finding many applications and use cases across industrial, military, manufacturing, medical, and commercial sectors that enhance our lives. Within the social commercial sphere, AR is used in social-media applications to add biographical information and even recognize each person.