Unlike virtual reality, which immerses users in an imagined environment, augmented reality (AR) brings elements of digital into the real world. In this way, it enhances the things we see, hear and feel.

AR may not be as exciting as virtual reality. However, it is growing rapidly in popularity because much of the technology is proving genuinely useful in our everyday lives.

Originally a big hit in the gaming and entertainment business (remember Pokémon Go?), AR has seen significant advancements since then. Now, other markets are taking notice.

Beyond entertainment, AR technology also has a lot to offer other industries. Throughout the education sector, AR is being used to pass information on to learners in real time. It also demonstrates different scenarios in a safe environment.

In the housing market, estate agents are helping buyers to visualise finished properties through headsets and interactive 3D walkthroughs.

Elsewhere, in the retail industry, companies such as IKEA are creating AR-based apps. These show customers what different products would look like in their homes. Online clothing brands like ASOS are also making the most of AR technology to improve the ‘try-before-you-buy-experience’. For example, ASOS launched an experimental feature on its Virtual Catwalk app. It aims to offer customers a new way of viewing its products in real life.

The healthcare sector is also seeing considerable strides in this field. Technology such as the AccuVein scanner, for example, allows doctors and nurses to locate veins quickly with little patient pain.

Equally, automobile companies are utilising advancements in AR to improve safety conditions and vehicle care. For example, Hyundai has created an app that allows users to point their phones at their cars. They can then see detailed information about each part, breathing new life into maintenance manuals.

In the business world, companies are using the technology to improve collaborative efforts. It also helps to counteract a lack of direct personal presence during conference calls. For instance, Microsoft is moving forward with a beta of a video-calling system. It uses AR to create holographic-style representations of participants.

Beyond the health, consumer and business markets, AR is also starting to trickle through to the electronics manufacturing industry.

PCB design, in particular, could benefit hugely from advances in AR. For example, the technology could address issues such as fitting electronic packages into unconventional shapes and ensuring circuit connections work properly. At the same time, it could reduce the time-consuming process of place and route.

Using AR, designers could switch between the finished, virtual version of a board and the real-life work in progress easily. In addition, PCB work can be very finely detailed, so AR technology could prove useful to help minimise distractions. As an example, smart glasses or headsets could show a set of virtual instructions. This would save the developer from having to keep turning physical pages manually.

Of course, just like with any technology, there are some concerns associated with using AR. Overlaying digital elements on the natural environment masks real-world dangers, which could affect users’ judgement and make them less cautious.

Much like with mobile phones, the technology might present an unwelcome distraction. There is also the risk that users could become overly dependent on AR. For example, reliance on the technology might lead a medical surgeon or PCB designer to readily accept what they see virtually. As a result, they might not question what is right in front of them in the real world.

Currently, battery life is also an issue for many AR technologies. The Microsoft HoloLens headset, for instance, only has a battery life of 5.5 hours. That wouldn’t be ideal for a surgeon in the middle of a complicated nine-hour operation. So, there are still some improvements needed in this area before AR can be adopted fully.

That being said, there is no doubt AR will go a long way to streamlining processes and minimising human error. It will also improve safety and customer experience across a range of different sectors. And we for one are especially excited to see how it progresses within the electronics manufacturing industry!

To find out more about the services EC Electronics provides and how we are helping our clients develop the tech of tomorrow, contact us today.