The Future of Engagement: Unlocking business potential with augmented reality

The implementation of augmented reality (AR) technology has gained traction among businesses worldwide, as it can enhance productivity, safety, and capabilities within the workforce. While the widespread adoption of AR may not have matched initial predictions, experts think that a substantial rollout and utilization of commercial AR can be expected across various industries and manufacturing environments within the next three to five years.

According to IDC, expenditure on AR/VR hardware, software, and services is projected to surge from approximately $13.8 billion in 2022 to an estimated $50.9 billion by 2026. Notably, industrial maintenance and training emerged as the primary commercial use cases, attracting the largest investments in AR.

The integration of AR has the potential to revolutionize workflows by enhancing efficiency and fostering collaboration across teams. While taking the first steps towards AR implementation may appear daunting for businesses, several strategies exist to embark upon this journey and pave the way for long-term success with AR technology.

Mobile AR

An excellent initial step is to capitalize on a company's existing IT infrastructure by utilizing AR-enabled mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. By embracing mobile AR, businesses can harness its capabilities to plan and refine projects, take precise measurements, simulate life-sized products, and conduct comprehensive walk-throughs before project execution, enhancing the overall project life cycle. Furthermore, mobile AR facilitates swift and real-time access to vital information such as inventory details, lead times, specifications, and updates, all without causing disruptions to the production flow.

Familiar apps in a new medium

Businesses can also initiate their AR journey by leveraging the applications they already use, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, TeamViewer, and other familiar platforms. This approach eliminates the need for extensive time investment in learning new features or implementing unfamiliar processes, as businesses can seamlessly integrate AR functionalities within these existing applications. Additionally, a wide range of popular collaboration apps is available for exploration at no additional cost, accompanied by numerous video tutorials and instructions that assist with the setup process. This enables businesses to tap into the potential of AR without significant hurdles or financial burdens.

Wearables for the experienced

Once businesses have gained experience with mobile AR and maximized the benefits within their current app workflows and implementations, it becomes advantageous to explore the realm of wearables and smart glasses for more advanced applications. According to IDC, there will be a significant increase in spending on standalone and tethered head-mounted displays (HMDs), with host devices and tethered HMDs exhibiting the fastest growth rate at 59.5% and 57.9%, respectively over the next five years.

In order to accommodate the evolving hybrid work environments and enhance collaboration among team members situated in different locations, remote assistance and digital transformation have become imperative to enhance service and communication in day-to-day operations. AR wearables and smart glasses facilitate convenient, hands-free "see-what-I-see" collaboration, streamlining a wide range of remote assistance and collaboration applications. The benefits include:

Bridging knowledge and experience gaps: Businesses can overcome challenges and complete complex tasks with fewer errors by connecting field personnel with remote experts. This leads to reduced equipment downtime and faster execution times.

Global expertise without travel: The deployment of AR remote assistance enables professionals worldwide to provide their expertise and instructions without needing costly and time-consuming travel.

Cost savings and efficiency: Providing on-site, in-person services for every job can be expensive and logistically challenging. By leveraging AR remote assistance, businesses can reduce rework, travel expenses, and ongoing maintenance costs by ensuring tasks are completed correctly the first time.

Adopting wearables and smart glasses in conjunction with AR technology empowers businesses to unlock new possibilities and drive efficiency in their operations while embracing the benefits of remote collaboration and assistance.

Tips for implementing augmented reality in business

In recent years, the field of augmented reality (AR) has witnessed significant advancements. When considering the advantages of AR technology and deciding which solutions to invest in, there are various factors to consider.

An important consideration when selecting smart glasses is the working environment and situation of the users. Ruggedized solutions are essential for hazardous environments characterized by dust, dirt, noise pollution, specific temperature requirements, and varying lighting conditions. These solutions are designed to withstand demanding and dynamic work environments, offering a robust and durable construction with shock and dust resistance. They are particularly suitable for manufacturing, automotive, field service, IT, logistics, or construction industries. Adjustable headbands and helmet mounting options ensure compatibility with different frontline work attire and helmet models, providing added comfort and flexibility.

In projects and sessions involving extensive documentation and visually-oriented instructions and diagrams, investing in solutions with excellent image quality is important to deliver a seamless viewing experience is important. Advanced cameras with optimized angles accurately capture the wearer's perspective, enabling a true and seamless "see-what-I-see" experience between the wearer and the remote expert. For sessions where audio plays a crucial role and the highest resolution may not be necessary, solutions with built-in audio, integrated speakers, and noise-canceling microphones can enhance the quality of hands-free communication.

When selecting AR partners, it is important to consider their support, reputation, and credibility. Vendors that provide advanced solutions compatible with a wide range of software and host devices can offer the necessary tools to meet the AR needs of any industry. It is crucial to choose reliable partners who have established themselves in the market and can provide comprehensive support to ensure a successful implementation of AR technology.

The future of enterprise AR

According to IDC, the adoption of augmented reality (AR) is gaining momentum in enterprise settings across various industries, with remote assistance being a key application. While implementing AR may appear challenging, it shouldn't be complicated and time-consuming.

Businesses can start by leveraging the devices and applications already in use within their organization. Integrating AR capabilities into existing devices and utilizing familiar apps can minimize the learning curve and streamline implementation. This approach allows companies to bridge knowledge gaps, enhance efficiency, optimize workflow, and foster long-term growth.

Investing in the right equipment is crucial to ensure a successful AR integration. Selecting devices and solutions that align with the specific requirements of the business and its industry will contribute to a smooth and effective implementation. By carefully considering the needs and objectives of the organization, businesses can choose the appropriate AR equipment that enhances productivity and supports their long-term growth strategy.

Incorporating AR technology may initially seem challenging, but with a strategic approach that utilizes existing devices and apps while investing in suitable equipment, businesses can unlock the benefits of AR, improve operational efficiency, and position themselves for success in the ever-evolving digital landscape.