“Unlike VR, augmented reality (AR) does not retreat into a purely digitally-created world – instead it overlaps the real world with data and images visible through actual human sight,” he said.
The technology’s role outside of consumer devices will encompass more dynamic tasks such as proof of concepts for architects, and enhanced awareness for drone operators. Another example would be the potential to offer operational teams visual displays of unit history – rather than storing massive amounts of paperwork on computers.
Hewer continued: “AR could be the game changer for businesses. It is impossible to sell a digital space completely removed from reality of the workplace. AR has a tangible benefit versus the more abstract concept of VR, offering companies a more pragmatic digital solution.”
The markets have reflected the success of fusing traditional operations with smart capabilities, also known as the IoT. GlobalData’s annual survey of over 1,000 IoT project managers showed that 80% of these deployments are bought exclusively by technology-focused consumers or IT specialists.
Hewer concluded: “In 2016 Pokémon Go dominated headlines in specialist and mainstream press. Downloaded over 650 million times, it is the poster child of AR. It will be the companies able to replicate Pokemon’s success that will succeed in the race to combine the virtual world with the one we are used to.”
