Sciencelovers - Have you ever heard of the term augmented reality? Augmented reality (AR) technology is actually quite close to everyday lif...
The advantages of using AR itself are various, including reducing business losses due to the impact of Covid-19. This article will discuss the definition and use of AR more fully!
Definition of Augmented Reality
Augmented reality is a technology where you can experience virtual interactions that are more alive with the help of 3D video and audio. Then, are virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality the same? No, these two technologies have significant differences even though they can be used simultaneously.
Difference between AR and VR
VR technology can take you into a different virtual world. An example of a VR application in the real world is the Batman Arkham VR game using the help of the Oculus Rift. In this game, you can enter the game world and solve criminal mysteries that seem real with the help of additional advanced equipment.
Unlike VR, AR combines the virtual experience with the real world. For example, a well-known paint brand, Dulux, has an application that features a wall paint color simulation.
You can try different Dulux paint colors by simply pointing your smartphone at the wall you want to repaint. Of course, the color of the walls in the real world will not change in an instant. However, you can see the changes through the application and get an idea of the final result to take into consideration before buying paint.
Another example of augmented reality that is close to everyday life is the use of filters on social media such as Instagram. Previously, are you an Instagram user? If so, chances are you've used photo and video filters from this app.
When using Instagram filters, your face in the real world will not change, only the appearance on your smartphone. Well, this can happen with the help of augmented reality! These two examples prove that Dulux and Instagram use AR interactive technology.
Apart from the examples above, what else can augmented reality use in everyday life?
Benefits of Augmented Reality Retail
Apart from Dulux, there are various businesses in the retail sector that use AR technology.
IKEA, GAP, Amazon and Sephora are among the retail businesses that take advantage of this cutting-edge innovation. Of course, there are many other companies that are also taking advantage of AR.
Why is that? Most of these companies try to make it easier for buyers and also attract potential customers to buy their products.
IKEA is a company that has been using AR for a long time. AR technology is embedded in free applications that potential buyers can use.
This application can be used to display IKEA products at prospective buyers' homes via smartphone cameras. You just need to aim the camera at the desired area of the room and place the selected furniture virtually to see the final result.
With the IKEA app, you can see if the product you want to buy matches the original room in your home.
Of course, this innovation is very easy for buyers because it can make it easier for consumers to try products at their own homes, even though virtually. Seeing this condition, of course augmented reality is the future.
In addition to attracting more buyers, the use of AR technology is a business solution in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The application of AR can be used in other business sectors such as department stores, clothing stores, shoes and the like. Prospective buyers do not need to come to the store to reduce crowds in an effort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
With AR, potential buyers can scan an image of a product onto the body and judge its suitability. If appropriate, purchases can be made online.
This is expected to ease the burden of losses experienced by the retail industry by up to IDR 250 trillion due to social restrictions due to COVID-19.
The potential of AR doesn't only help big industries, you know! Through the synergy between the government and the industrial world, MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) can also reduce losses from 47% of bankruptcies experienced with this innovation.
AR technology can help stabilize sales, strengthen promotions and maintain smooth cash flow.
Education
In addition to product promotion and marketing, AR is also very useful to support the education industry. Imagine, the delivery of subject matter that is usually boring and makes you sleepy can be turned into fun.
Only by opening the pages of the textbook and directing the gadget, the subject matter can be enjoyed more attractively.
Seeing the excitement of delivering material through educational augmented reality, it is no exaggeration to expect the quality of learning to improve.
Students become easier to understand, practicum can be done more effectively and efficiently. Facilities such as laboratory equipment can be even more complete with augmented reality content in education.
With this, students are expected to have a better learning experience.
Not only education, AR is also very much needed in the world of health. One of them is to be a means of education.
The introduction of the anatomy of the human body can be more efficient by using 3-dimensional animation as a medium. This can support the performance of doctors, nurses and even students to get an idea of the position, shape and method of carrying out medical actions.
It doesn't stop there, AR can also help doctors consult and treat patients remotely or telemedicine.
This is becoming more and more necessary, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and doctors need not worry because AR can facilitate minimal interaction between the two.
Tourist
Do you like traveling? How is the application of AR in the tourism industry?
Traveling is loved by many people, but have you ever had difficulty finding your way or not understanding a language when you went abroad?
Take it easy, now there are various applications that will help you if you face these two things.
First, there is an application from Apple called ARTKit. This application is almost similar to the navigation application in general. The difference is, you can see the route and explanation in real-time through this application. For example, when you go to the airport and lose your way, you can activate this application.
ARTkit will display a guide line on your smartphone and direct you to your destination. If you are looking for a particular store, this application also comes with a brief description of the store. This technology is also known as AR wayfinding.
Interesting right? Unfortunately, this application can only be obtained for users of Apple products, namely the iPad and iPhone.
Next, Google made a breakthrough through Google Translate. If you're traveling abroad and find writing in the local language on the road, you don't have to manually type in the app to find out what it means.
You only need to point the smartphone camera at the text you want to interpret. Instantly, the meaning of the text will appear on the smartphone screen. Thanks to the Google Translate application, you can travel safely and comfortably.
Augmented reality technology is very helpful in many ways. Of course, this AR innovation can also help businesses to grow.
If you are a business person in the beauty sector, you can apply AR for customers who have difficulty trying lipstick and powder colors. Several brands such as Wardah, L'oreal, Shopeee beauty cam, JDID, have proven the success of this technology.
