Augmented Reality: What to Expect and How to Manage

Editor's note: Mark Dohnalek is President & CEO of Pivot International, the Kansas-based global product development, engineering & manufacturing firm.

If we were to take ourselves down manufacturing memory lane for the past 200 years, we would see innovations that defied imagination. We would see inventions that forever altered what we've come to expect from everyday products. Companies that possessed the agility to adopt the newest technologies and adapt to accelerating trends have stayed competitive. And, once again, as we turn the corner with the next decade in sight, we are there again with augmented reality.

The advances of augmented reality must be recognized by manufacturers and supply chain partners. Beyond video games and movie experiences, AR is being used by schools and companies with reports predicting AR sales could exceed $80 billion by 2022. Yet, AR is still new and the landscape requires navigation to move through speed bumps along the way. Below are three challenges and solutions to guide you through the AR process:

Insufficient design and development standards. While software applications depend on standardization for securing net compatibility, augmented reality concepts stand alone and aren't necessarily compatible with other AR creations. Fortunately, solutions are already underway by IEEE which has initiated eight projects for both VR and AR. They include “Device Taxonomy and Definitions,” “Immersive Video Taxonomy and Quality Metrics,” “Immersive Video File and Stream Formats,” “Person Identity,” “Environment Safety,” “Immersive User Interface,” “Map for Virtual Objects in the Real World,” and “Interoperability Between Virtual Objects and the Real World.”

Differences in technology among devices. Another difficulty right now is that AR devices tend to differ technologically. For instance, an experience designed for AR gear doesn't automatically translate into a seamless experience for a smartphone. The challenge comes in when you consider that AR headsets can cost as much as $3,000 which means people are more likely to engage if they can access it on their cell phones. However, design-wise, smartphones may have limitations with AR. Consumer sales of AR may be slower to climb until we have more affordable AR gear and accessories.

Optics Aren't Static. Most product design AR projects involve superimposing a virtual image onto a real-world backdrop. Challenges happen when the simulations fail to align with the physical environment accurately. Another issue for AR is stray light which can occur with the gear's design or because of outside light. The key lies in creating AR technology that continually takes the outside world into consideration. Cameras, for instance, can provide real-time data that can make the AR experience more realistic.

Even with challenges and complications – AR is exciting and should be embraced as manufacturers advance their product design & development. The same can be said for supply chain partners to improve their processes. Innovation through AR is important and solving AR challenges is simply a matter of time…well worth the wait!

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