Augmented reality, commonly abbreviated as AR, is all about enriching the real environment with computer-generated content, which is largely supplemented with graphic content. AR can be identified as a system that combines the real and virtual worlds, interactive reality in real-time, allowing freedom of movement in three dimensions. Thus, augmented reality does not create a new, fully virtual three-dimensional world, but “complements” the real world (which does not change) with new images or information, i.e., virtual shell. This can be a supplement in the form of simple information – such as street names, navigation information – or an extension based on complex photorealistic objects that blend into the real world and form a whole with it.

AR extends reality but does not replace it. Virtual reality (VR) on the other hand completely replaces your surroundings with a virtual environment. Therefore, any equipment that combines digital content related to your real environment is an AR device. Equipment that works regardless of your location and embraces your vision is a VR device.

Augmented reality does not have to be limited only to the image. The real world can be enriched by devices also with sound, and even a smell. AR computing equipment comes in many forms, including handheld displays, and devices that you wear, such as headsets and glasses.

Woman in augmented reality glasses on running machine; source: https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/isometric-icon-with-woman-augmented-reality-glasses-running-machine-3d_16716981.htm#query=augmented&position=5&from_view=search

The greatest demand for AR technologies currently comes from the creative economy industries – in particular, games, live events, industries as diverse as healthcare, education, the military and real estate. Common applications of AR technology include video games, television, and personal navigation, although there are many other applications as well. Augmented reality is also used on television, especially in sports. For example, golf broadcasts sometimes display a line on the screen that tracks the flight of the ball. Major league baseball games often display dynamically generated advertisements behind the motherboard.

Most recently popular is augmented reality navigation, used to display location information in real-time format. This is usually done via a HUD (heads-up display) that projects the images in front of you like a hologram. For example, the HUD in a car can display speed, engine RPM, and other useful data. Google Glass, a head-mounted display, can overlay directions from Google Maps and identify locations with its built-in camera.

However, we still face the problem of data transmission. With all real-time remote services, internet connection quality is critical. Providing good quality transmission is one of the points of the remote start-up procedure, hence the obvious hopes for 5G mobile technology. Entrepreneurs interested in the AR technology should be pleased with the information that the number of 5G connections will increase significantly in the next 5 years. The recent CCS Insight forecast predicts that by 2025 there will be as many as 3.6 billion of them worldwide. For comparison, in 2020 it was only 0.25 billion.

Many digital solutions will definitely stay with us, such as virtual training or remote diagnostics. No one is surprised anymore when, when entering the office, they see a person wearing virtual reality glasses, making seemingly strange gestures in the air. Businesses are currently investing in virtual reality systems, and it is nothing extraordinary anymore. Ever since the reality of AR appeared, it has made a small revolution in the area of ​​e-commerce. Over time, it has also changed the way you shop online. It made online stores gain an advantage over brick-and-mortar stores. Consumers who so far were attracted only by the possibility of trying on, measuring, and physically checking the product, thanks to AR, began to transfer their habits to the Internet. Online shopping is faster, more convenient and often cheaper, and the consumer does not have to leave his room to buy a new pair of shoes. AR reduces the physical limitations of online trading. It allows you to check a product or service without leaving your home, e.g., using 3D visualization, QR codes, filters, virtual fitting rooms or virtual sellers. AR can also successfully support a company’s new product development activities – it ensures that development processes are carried out in a digital environment, which generally speeds up the moment when new products appear on the market.