Digital collaboration tools saw greater adoption in 2020, thanks to the pandemic, as the need for remote video conferencing and team messaging applications became mandatory. Augmented technology silently gained acceptance by many industries.
Although 2020 put brakes on the AR‘s promised juggernaut and thinned the list of key players, it has continued to become mainstream but stopped short of becoming omnipresent. The AR market worldwide is forecasted to reach $340 billion by 2028, which is an anticipated CAGR growth of 43.8% from 2021 to 2028. Continued advancements in the field of augmented technology and artificial intelligence are fueling its market growth.
With the pandemic enforced social distancing in place, AR has brought people together virtually. The AR remote assistance trends of the recent months are providing the tools and techniques to businesses that need to collaborate across various remote locations, share information and better visualize products. People across the industries are seeking out AR-supported platforms for an immersive experience.
Path Enterprise Augmented Reality Is Likely To Follow in 2021
Enterprise augmented reality is likely to follow these three paths in 2021 “ regardless of the impact, the pandemic has on the growth and usage of AR-based products.
1. Increased Morphing of Physical Assets into Digital Assets
You might have heard many companies say that they are willing to digitize all their products “ but it’s way easier said than done. From product catalogs on paper to 2D images on a website and finally to realistic 3D figurines, we have certainly come a long way.
Earlier, we needed skilled photographers with advanced cameras to take stunning pictures of products to create a catalog. Then, we added the extra layer of Photoshop to edit and improve the sheen of the pictures one notch higher. Now, in the modern AR era, we need photorealistic models to be captured from all angles, along with the necessary hardware and software to present these images more fluidly. It isn’t that easy to digitize physical assets.
Nowadays, the necessary 3D scanning tools and technologies are ready, and it is easier to create photorealistic 3D models. The AR software, 3D modeling standards and the database are ready to be used efficiently. Moreover, these days most products are fully designed and developed using 3D models, so it becomes easier to merge them into augmented reality.
2021 might also see an increase in technologies that can scan individuals and entire neighborhoods. The digital avatars of people would also become so human-like that they’ll be used to deliver marketing pitches in multiple languages at the same time. Thanks to the breakthroughs in technology, we have come to a stage where 3D models are fully capable of convincingly embody people and places to create more realistic experiences for those using AR devices.
2. Continued Innovations in the Enterprise AR Hardware
The pace at which AR hardware advanced slowed down during the pandemic, and many companies that were on the verge of rolling out new AR headsets had to delay their release. However, the technologies which were still in their infancy a year ago have made huge progressive strides. And, we are hopeful of seeing AR hardware solutions hitting the market soon.
For example, Facebook‘s Quest2 showed what a mixed-reality headset could offer to users “ and at a competitive price point. While Quest2 is not entirely an AR solution, it certainly has shown promise that a robust processing core, high-definition optics and super-advanced tracking camera can be combined into feather-light packages.
In addition to the headset, Facebook is also aggressively testing its more advanced solution Project Aria.’ It is trying to create a sophisticated all-in-one’ solution that works with a dependable input system rather than just optical hand gestures. Facebook is keenly looking at using Bracelets to help their AR gear accurately figure out finger movements and gestures. Along with this, their room scanning camera can also locate real-world objects and interact with them.
3. Wide Acceptance of AR Concepts by Industry Leaders
AR remote assistance was already out there, and many businesses were using it on a minor scale. Major players like Microsoft and Google pushed the experimentation process into fast gear and poured immense resources into convincing other enterprises to invest in their AR creations – such as the smart glasses or the HoloLens headsets. While the ROI and benefits weren’t completely clear initially, the AR technology is now being adopted with enthusiasm by thought leaders and industry experts “ but for specific purposes.
The idea of virtual meetings was prevalent even before the pandemic hit us. But its increased usage is a sign that the way organizations have been conducting their businesses has undergone a dramatic change “ one that might continue even after the pandemic abates.
Over the course of the next few years, it is possible for enterprises to see holographic virtual participation of team members in meetings. And we are not talking about the synthetic-looking 2D videos, but probably in realistic 3D avatars.
The concept of digital twins of people, buildings, objects, and pieces of equipment “ based on real ones “ could become the standard practice in many progressive organizations.
Besides, the AR remote assistance technology can also be used to create virtual spokespersons who offer product demonstrations and digital services.
However, it will be interesting to see which big player will finally pull the curtains off on investing big in AR technology.
Wrapping Up
Despite the pandemic, augmented technology is moving at a super-accelerated speed. Although the pandemic managed to put brakes on the adoption of this technology, it is clear that the world of AR is just opening up to us. Advanced technologies and innovations have encouraged even cautious players to feel comfortable moving ahead at full speed.
The possibilities with augmented reality are literally endless, and we may well be witnessing only the beginning of this trend. AR will certainly become mainstream in the days to come, and it will be a bigger deal than what people assume it to be now. And it would require key industry players to invest in this transformative technology.
Looking at the technological strides of the past couple of years in the field of augmented reality, it is clear that it’s possible to seamlessly integrate both the digital and the real world.
