Augmented Reality types: Definition and examples

Today, let us dive into the theory aspect of Augmented Reality. We are well-versed with Augmented Reality technology but did you know there are different Augmented Reality types?  We have seen immense applications of Augmented Reality in the present scenario. Augmented Reality is being used in healthcare to assist medical professionals and train medical students. AR technology is extensively being used in remote assistance. Remote assistance in the oil and gas industry helps in saving financial as well as human resource loss. Augmented Reality technology has revamped the digital marketing space.

Let us get some knowledge on Augmented Reality types so that we can get into an intellectual debate. Read the article to expand your pool of knowledge on Augmented Reality. Here are the prominent 6 types of Augmented Reality:

Augmented Reality types:

·         Location-Based AR:

Location-based AR also known as markerless AR, means the device does not need any special marker to identify the location to place the virtual object. Location-based AR uses an inbuilt GPS accelerometer and digital compass to display and match users’ location.  Since these features/devices are already available on most smartphones, it is easier to integrate Augmented Reality into mobiles. Markerless AR is of two types- indoor and Outdoor. For implementing AR features indoors, it detects the location and for outdoor it uses GPS.

The world-famous example of Location-based AR is Pokémon Go. In 2016 and around, did you love catching those zombies? While you were engrossed in playing the game, the company made $1.2 billion in revenue. Pokemon Go has inaugurated the Augmented Reality technology in the commercial world.  If you are a traveller, this Augmented Reality type is for you. Location-based AR helps in exploring new places and fulfils you with relevant information.

·         Projection-based AR:

Projection-based AR is a non-interactive Augmented Reality type. As the name suggests, the computer-generated graphics are projected on the physical surface.  You do not need a mobile device to use projection-based AR. You can create interactive 3D designs with this non-interactive Augmented Reality type.

Projection-based AR is best used in showing a mockup of the project. The parts can be easily assembled and dissembled using Projection-based AR.

·         Superimposition based AR:

Superimposition based AR helps to enhance already an existing object in the physical world. Using Superimposition based AR you can either have an entire augmented view or can have a part of it.

This Augmented Reality type is used in the healthcare sector majorly. A doctor can help patients understand the fracture better by superimposing an X-Ray image on the real fractured part.

·         Outlining AR:

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As the name suggests Outlining AR helps in recognizing outlines. Outlining AR is helpful beyond the view of human eyes. Outlining AR is useful in the automotive industry. Drivers’ can recognize the indication path easily. The driver can follow the guide and safely reach the destination.

·         Recognition based AR: 

Recognition based AR is used in scanning and QR code. Lots of companies such as Amazon, coca-cola are using Recognition based AR to tell about their brand. Users just have to scan the QR code and the information will spring up on their screen.

Another use of Recognition based AR is in translating words. You can point your camera on the foreign lines and this Augmented Reality type will display the translated line in your language. Google Lens use Recognition based AR for translation. This is helpful when you are travelling and are new to the local language. You can use recognition based AR to know what is written on the signboards.

·         Marker-based AR:

Marker-based Augmented reality helps you to scan the physical images and computer-generated graphics or videos will spring up. User can interact with these which makes the brand much more engaging. This Augmented Reality type is prominently seen in Augmented Reality wine labels and Augmented Reality business cards.

Using Augmented Reality business cards, users can get all the relevant information about the business. This increases brand awareness and engagement. People can feel emotionally attached to the brand after seeing the real-like behind the scenes. But to get such experience you have to convince clients or customers to install an AR application.

Examples of Augmented Reality types:

“The global augmented reality market size was valued at USD 17.67 billion in 2020. It is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 43.8% from 2021 to 2028. “ (The growth is tremendous!) The market share of Augmented Reality clearly depicts the increasing craze for the technology. Undoubtedly the popularity of Pokémon Go has decreased but it paved way for numerous new AR-based Games and multiple use cases in different sectors. Here are a few catchy examples:

·         IKEA Place:

IKEA launched IKEA place to help customers know how the furniture will look at their place. IKEA allows users to place their favourite future at their favourite location in their home virtually. This is one of the best examples of Location-based AR. The company relies on AR Kit and AR core to integrate AR in their app. To know more about IKEA place click here.

·         Haunted Mansion in Disney:

The renowned company Disney filed the Patent for Projection-based AR. Here the talking ghosts are projected on the flat surface. This thrills the user. The talking face appears as the talking statue which scares the audience.

Wrapping up

Location-based AR and Recognition based AR are the most used Augmented Reality types, worldwide. The Augmented Reality technology is bridging the gap between Virtual and Reality. The technology has immense use cases in an array of industries like Retail, healthcare, the oil and gas industry, automotive, advertising and branding, footwear and so on.

Companies and developers have tapped in a lot of use cases of this innovative technology. But, a lot of opportunities and use cases are yet untapped. For examples, users are eagerly waiting for commercial uses of AR glasses.  Which Augmented Reality types are you using? I enjoyed writing, did you enjoyed reading?

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