Augmented reality can benefit both on and off-site areas in your business. In this blog, we will explore various ways your business can use AR to improve operations, increase efficiency, and enhance customer experiences.

Augmented reality (AR) uses digital technology to enhance the real physical world. It helps you see or hear something in the real world where you otherwise wouldn’t be able to, enhancing the user’s experience. AR content can be viewed through a range of devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, and even car windscreens!

One example we all know of is Pokemon Go, which took the world by storm in 2016. Pokemon Go used AR to allow the user to see interactive virtual creatures through their mobile phone. This is an example of a digital overlay. AR isn’t just accessed through your phone – AR can also be accessed through wearable devices or hands-free displays such as the Microsoft HoloLens.

In addition to business uses, AR can also be used by individuals to make their daily life safer and easier. Examples of these include:

1. Heads up displays

These are digital displays that present information to the user in their field of vision, without requiring them to look away. This allows drivers to access information like speed, navigation, and warnings in real-time, increasing safety and reducing distractions.

2. Replacing training manuals

AR can replace or supplement traditional training manuals, enabling employees to rapidly absorb information and perform tasks more effectively. This also reduces the number of errors.

3. Revolutionise how data is structured

AR will revolutionise the way data is structured, managed, and delivered, by allowing users to see content in real time, without depending on being in a physical environment. Smartphone cameras are a common example of this, allowing the user to scan a product to show what features it has.

AR is revolutionising the way businesses operate in their physical environment. There is a growing demand for businesses to be able to access information from any location. Here are some ways your business could use AR today:

1. Try before you buy for customers

This will reduce the cost of returns, as customers trying products before a purchase will allow them to fully understand what they are buying before they purchase.

2. Virtual design

AR can save time and costs that are associated with the design process, providing a virtual platform for customers to experiment with product design. For example, Harley-Davidson has an AR app that allows customers to virtually design and customise their motorbikes.

3. Field services

Your business could use AR to superimpose diagrams and markings on an engineer’s line of sight, freeing up their hands and enabling them to receive remote input while improving safety.

4. Training and education

AR can provide an immersive and multi-sensory experience for employee training, enabling more engaging and effective learning.

Google Lens is an AR tool that lets you search for real-world objects by pointing the camera on your phone at it. By identifying objects and places, Google Lens provides you with information instantly!

The AR Ruler is an app that uses digital technology that measures real-world objects using the camera on your phone. By placing virtual markers on the object, the app can accurately determine size and dimensions.

IKEA Place is an AR app that allows you to place virtual furniture in a real world environment using the camera on your phone. By using augmented reality, you can see how the furniture will look and fit in the space before making a purchase.

Augmented reality is a powerful tool that businesses are beginning to use to revolutionise their business practices. Your business should learn to use AR to beat the competition.

The Lincoln Be Smarter program offers consultancy to help local businesses implement and manage new AR technology. If you’d like to speak with an advisor about how we can help you integrate AR technology into your business, get in touch with us today!