Augmented reality applications
January 5, 2022
8 business AR applications
Augmented reality (AR) is proving its worth for business solutions. When a digital image is added to reality, it is called augmented reality (AR). The deployment of AR today is simple. Cell phones and tablets have the right hardware to visualize digital objects in the real world. Thus, the threshold for companies to start using AR is no longer so high….
More and more companies are seeing the added value of augmented reality. It not only creates a WOW factor, but improves business processes in practice. In this blog we describe 8 business augmented reality applications.
Want to learn more about augmented reality first?
1. Product visualizations with AR.
Visualizing a product brings many advantages. Where in the past one had to sit behind a computer to have 3D or CAD model of a product, nowadays there is more use of AR apps or Web-AR. Products are visualized in reality at any location using augmented reality. This allows you to actually walk around a model and make improvements in the prototyping phase, for example. But also, customers can visualize your product in a place where they want it. This is conducive to the eventual purchase of your products by customers.
2. Using AR for production processes
AR is not only used to visualize (the prototype of) a product, but also within production processes. Machines can be visualized with AR in the space where they will be placed. Subsequently, the final product is adjusted based on the actual space. In this way, the production process is optimized and any pitfalls are avoided.
3. Improve assembly process.
Using AR to assemble products results in an efficient and effective assembly process. The solution ensures that employees have to go through all the necessary steps when assembling a product. Variations of products or machines are nowadays assembled in smaller and smaller series. As a result, even experienced assembly technicians start making mistakes. By means of an online editor, instructions can be added by means of text or images.
4. AR for onboarding and training (new) employees.
The online editor allows information to be added to a 3D model. Then the information is visualized in the real world using AR. This allows new employees to assemble the product step by step during the assembly process. Experienced employees also benefit from this. They can more often do their own work undisturbed. Practical situations can be practiced endlessly by new employees.
In addition, retraining employees becomes easier for companies. They are no longer dependent on locations or specialists. Certain training courses are offered digitally and tests or practical lessons are supported by AR. The technology allows employees to dissect a certain machine from A to Z. In this way, some parts are accessible that are not even visible in practice.
5. Instructions for use with AR
It often happens in practice that a mechanic or installer spends a lot of time looking through a manual. Especially less experienced employees waste a lot of time looking up the right information. An AR manual is the ideal solution. Step by step, a mechanic or installer can perform operations according to the manual. Using AR, the right information is displayed at the right place of a component. This increases the chance that an installation or repair can be performed in one go. Using the Microsoft Hololens, it is even possible to work hands-free. An employee has the Hololens on and the information is displayed on the part.
6. Using AR as a marketing tool
Augmented reality can be used as a marketing tool in a variety of ways. The possibilities are enormous. Let the customer experience, configure or order a brand or product directly. Using AR to create a WOW factor is a thing of the past. The added value of AR is many times greater. Using the technology, customers can visualize your products at any desired location. A well-known example is the AR-App of the Ikea. But you can also let customers put together the final product themselves. For Maars Living Walls we have developed an application in which customers can compose their own products. Watch the video below!
7. AR at the fair
With an AR app you have the possibilities to show all your products to fair visitors. Using a smartphone or tablet, an exhibition visitor can actually walk around the product and experience it. You can highlight certain parts of a product or show desired information using an online editor. In this way, the exhibition visitor gets a complete picture of the product. In addition, you have the advantage of using the AR app to international trade shows. This avoids the hassle of transporting certain products, but allows you to bring your entire product range digitally. Would you like to know more about AR or VR at the trade show? We would be happy to help you out.
Perhaps interesting to you?
8. AR games
You may remember the famous hype surrounding PokemonGo. The youth took to the streets en masse to catch their favorite Pokémons. We are getting more and more requests from companies to create an AR game. Why? This is a unique way to bind existing employees to you. But it’s also ideal for introducing potential employees to your company.
Also use augmented reality for your business?
Using augmented reality for your business can have many benefits and improve business processes in multiple areas. From AR training to visualizing a prototype. Are you ready for it? We explain in 4 steps how you can get started to deploy AR for your business.
