Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) offer pathways to experiences that, while not precisely “real,” access alternative and blended experiential domains that can enrich everyday life. The travel industry, spectator sports, and, of course, digital gaming are areas ripe with abundant opportunities on the verge of genuinely universal accessibility. However, leisure and entertainment applications are far from the only ways that AR and VR will become pervasive in our digitally dominated world. Augmented Reality Malaysia is a growing field with immense potential. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative applications that enhance everyday life and transform industries. Here, I discuss three industrial applications of AR and VR being explored by digital leaders around the globe —where lives are being saved, manual tasks are being automated, and shopping experiences are being enhanced.
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What are AR and VR?
Virtual reality (VR) is a fully simulated experience that can closely resemble or be entirely distinct from the real world. VR systems employ either headsets or multi-projected environments to produce lifelike images, sounds, and other sensations that replicate a user’s physical presence in a virtual setting. Users can explore the artificial environment, navigate within it, and engage with virtual elements or objects.
Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive encounter with a real-world setting in which real-world objects are enriched by computer-generated perceptual data—often across various sensory systems. AR integrates elements from both the real and virtual worlds, enabling real-time interaction and precise three-dimensional (3D) rendering of virtual and real objects. The augmented experience is seamlessly integrated with the physical environment, creating an immersive and cohesive environment.
How holograms are revolutionizing cardiac care
Cardiac arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, is a common and potentially serious heart condition affecting about 5% of the U.S. population, leading to complications such as stroke, fainting, and even death.
One treatment option for arrhythmias is catheter ablation, which uses radiofrequency heat energy to burn a small area of heart tissue to stop irregular heartbeats. During this procedure, an electro-cardiologist must mentally combine multiple two-dimensional (2D) images of the heart displayed on different monitors in real-time to determine which tissue to ablate.
Dr. Jonathan Silva and Dr. Jennifer Silva, a husband and wife team at Washington University in St. Louis, developed the Enhanced Electrophysiology Visualization and Interaction System (ĒLVIS) to aid physicians in visualizing the interior of the heart during ablation procedures. ĒLVIS combines augmented reality (AR) software with Microsoft’s HoloLens headset to convert commercially available electroanatomic and catheter data into a 3D holographic image of the patient’s heart with real-time catheter locations. The physician can optimize the real-time visualization by gesturing to control the headset and move around the inside of the 3D heart image, all while keeping hands sterile during the procedure.
This Augmented Reality technology implementation offers potential for improved patient care and long-term cost savings. According to Washington University in St. Louis, this new procedure has already shown to improve the accuracy of ablation procedures, potentially reducing the need for repeat procedures and shortening procedure duration, leading to an estimated annual savings of $370 million.
AR, VR boost MRO logistics and operations efficiency
The Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted maintenance and repair operations (MRO) and logistics in the air transport industry. However, UK-based trade publication Aviation Business News reports that the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is helping companies overcome operational challenges, leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs. MRO logistics companies have invested in both VR and AR, resulting in enhanced customer service, streamlined processes, and improved performance.
For instance, Swiss MRO logistics provider Kuehne+Nagel has integrated AR into its operations across various logistics processes, employing a concept called “robotic process automation” and utilizing AR in its MRO logistics operations and business units to automate tasks.
Another example is Equinix customer FIEGE Group, a global logistics company that is implementing AR and VR strategies as part of a broader digital transformation initiative. The company’s AR/VR strategy is a key component of its next-generation digital infrastructure architecture, which also includes automating warehouse operations through AR/VR goggles for real-time inventory management, drone-assisted stocktaking, robotic inventory movement, and IoT, social analytics, and digital twin implementations. FIEGE Group utilizes a “pick-by-vision” AR solution by Picavi, allowing employees to use smart glasses for order-picking inventory, saving time in order fulfillment and inventory management.
Amazon brings AR to hair services and online shopping
During lockdowns, in-store visits were significantly restricted, leading to a more than twofold increase in the adoption of augmented reality (AR) for shopping in the past year, as reported by market research firm eMarketer. In a December 2019 eMarketer/Bizrate Insights survey, only 5% of US adults said they had used AR or VR while shopping. By February 2021, this figure had risen to 11%, with an additional 34% expressing some level of interest in trying it.
In April, Amazon announced the opening of a hair salon in London, aiming to “showcase new products and technology.” The salon will utilize Augmented Reality filters to demonstrate to customers how their hair could appear after using various products, which they can then purchase via QR code. Other experimental AR initiatives by Amazon include the launch of an AR tool for furniture shopping in August 2020 and a co-marketing agreement with L’Oréal for its ModiFace lipstick try-on feature AR application, introduced for its Maybelline brand in 2019.
As we can see, Augmented Reality Ar Filters are becoming increasingly popular in various industries, including retail, entertainment, and marketing. These filters allow users to overlay digital elements onto their real-world environment, enhancing their experiences and interactions. Augmented Reality Companies are developing innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for AR filter, offering Augmented Reality white label options for businesses to customize and integrate into their own apps or platforms. In Malaysia, the adoption of Augmented Reality filter is on the rise, with companies leveraging this technology to create engaging and interactive experiences for their customers. As the use of AR filters continues to grow, we can expect to see more creative applications and collaborations across different industries.
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