6 Exciting Real-World Uses for AR and IoT
Digitization has invaded every aspect of our lives, from farms and fields to factories and rooms. While the world envisions a future in which everything is connected, Augmented Reality (AR) is emerging as the key to unlocking the Internet of Things’ (IoT) hidden potential. Furthermore, concepts such as AR and IoT will place a greater emphasis on machine-driven and data-driven environments. IoT provides real-time data access, and AR can help blur the boundary between the physical and digital worlds. IoT will undoubtedly alter how businesses operate, but when it is paired with AR, the industry will start to speak the language of automation and kicks off a cycle of cost savings, revenue generation, and higher profits.
The market for IT services for the Internet of Things will grow at a 34% CAGR from 2020 to 2025, representing a 58-billion-dollar potential, as per Gartner research. Another analysis by Markets and Markets indicates that with a CAGR of 31.5%, the AR market might reach $88.40 billion by 2026. These research and surveys so demonstrate that the IoT and AR have enormous promise, are here to stay, and will continue to develop. Combining the two can therefore result in newer advancements in several industries.
It’s time to investigate the potential applications of augmented reality and the internet of things.
1. AR and IoT facilitates Industry 4.0
The use of augmented reality in IoT helps many companies achieve their Industry 4.0 goals. This business approach prioritizes smart automation, digital transformation, and increased interconnectivity, and it is expected to change the way the world economy operates. This gives the manufacturing industry a competitive advantage, especially because the data collected by IoT devices can be visualized using AR to maximize visibility and usability. AR overlaid on physical objects in the industrial space can transform the way manufacturers operate, from asset tracking to tracking real-time data across a factory floor. Global manufacturer Caterpillar Inc., for example, uses augmented reality to help their engineer’s complete maintenance tasks more efficiently.
In warehouse environments, for example, AR eyewear can show order pickers the barcodes of the objects they need to select and ship, as well as the aisles in which they are located. AGC Corporation gave their floor teams smartphones and wearable glasses to help them collect data faster. AR-IoT technologies enhance the meaning and effectiveness of experiences by providing smart, real-time, and intelligent insights. It would open new possibilities for predictive maintenance, automation, preventive actions, and an overall improved experience.
2. AR fills talent and training gaps
Some industry verticals face the challenge of an emerging demographic shift where a higher-than-average proportion of workers are reaching retirement age, and fewer younger workers are replacing them. The transition to a younger workforce usually results in a less experienced labor pool. AR-enabled training materials can accelerate the onboarding process by improving how new employees learn specific equipment.
Wearables are being used at some workplaces to measure metrics that could identify problems and provide real-time guidance on how to fix them. Also, workers can receive remote expert advice on a field procedure that is new to them. Integrating IoT with AR could also assist business executives in developing AR-based training modules or programs by collecting user data to determine the rate of error occurrence.
3. Assist retailers and industrialists with real-time navigation and location-based information
Retail is already thriving thanks to business intelligence, big data, IoT, and AR/VR. Furthermore, the combination of AR and IoT can be used to provide a more personalized and interactive shopping experience. One of the most significant advantages of the IoT development solutions is the ability to learn more about customers in non-intrusive ways. A pharmacy chain, for example, planned to install thousands of IoT sensors in retail stores and use them in conjunction with AR smartphone apps to provide store guidance. People could then quickly find what they needed, even if they had never visited that pharmacy before. This outcome would reduce frustration and boost the chance of people returning. AR- IoT projects are being developed to facilitate safer walking paths in a smart city using connected and dynamic LED markers, traffic management, and accessibility.
4. AR makes complex data analysis easier.
AR can also be used in conjunction with AI and IoT by displaying data that has been arranged by algorithmic processes. This more relevant information is transmitted back to AR displays, where it can support remote or on-site problem solutions. It takes a lot of time and effort to manually analyze a large amount of data. AR allows users to perceive and interact with IoT data in a simple and intuitive manner. Users can also evaluate the efficacy of real-time data.
Faster network connectivity will help to accelerate data processing using AI and IoT. It’s one of the reasons why there’s so much anticipation for wider 5G adoption because while 4G remains the most common cellular connectivity for IoT, reduced latency promised by 5G may result in even better support for AR in IoT.
5. IoT and AR improve design accuracy.
When AR and IoT are combined, architects and designers may generate comprehensive and precise plans for businesses, societies, and cities. These cutting-edge technologies have made it easier for designers to make corrections and create prototypes. Interior designers can also use the profitable combination of AR and IoT to observe inner and outer surfaces and then create appropriate designs. Architects can use data from IoT-enabled devices to gain access to the most recent design possibilities while keeping the overall structure of the building/space in mind. Moreover, AR development services can assist in producing enhanced images, and IoT can assist with a variety of devices to transform the process. For instance, Microsoft HoloLens uses mixed reality to transform real-world images, and IoT links systems and gadgets to the network and cloud.
6. Promotes more interactive and engaging learning environments
When candidates for a surgeon’s or physician’s degree need a more hands-on approach to their learning, applications of AR and IoT are in high demand. Simbionix Simulators, for instance, are 3D medical simulators that allow experts and trainees to practice doing minimally invasive surgery. Other learning settings will be more effective thanks to the AR and IoT combo thanks to the usage of completely immersive instructions, lessons, objects, and communications.
IoT with AR can be an excellent match
As we move towards a more connected society, entrepreneurs, industrialists, industry leaders, and venture investors are taking notice of the combination of the Internet of Things and Augmented Reality. Nevertheless, figuring out the most effective combinations of them requires time and money. Due to the development of AR and IoT solutions by digital behemoths like Microsoft, NASA, Autodesk, Google, and Amazon, both technologies are becoming more extensively used and accessible today. This technological convergence is allowing businesses to increase productivity, reduce training and operational costs, and better manage the data collected through their IoT networks.
Whether it’s robots, virtual assistants, home devices, printed organs, or self-driving cars (or all the above!) that will control our lives in the not-too-distant future, we’re very excited to see where it all goes. As a leading AR development company with digital product development expertise, TA has successfully delivered several projects of varied sizes, shapes, and complexity ahead of schedule.