The Transformational Power of AI Applications in Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is poised to revolutionize the way we interact with the world – overlaying digital information and virtual objects onto our physical environments. The possibilities span from enhanced gaming experiences to next-gen industrial applications. But it is the combination of AR with artificial intelligence (AI) that will unlock AR‘s full disruptive potential across industries.

In this expert guide, we will explore 13+ compelling use cases showing how AI is transforming augmented reality today and powering the AR experiences of tomorrow.

Introduction: AI Makes AR Smarter and More Contextually Aware

Historically, AR applications relied on complex computer vision techniques like simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) to map environments. But modern AR platforms incorporate deep learning – a form of AI – to enable more advanced features through contextual awareness.

According to recent research by MarketsandMarkets, the global AR market will grow from $15.3 billion in 2020 to over $77 billion by 2025 – a compound annual growth rate of 38%. This growth is fueled by rapid advances in smartphone capabilities, smart glasses, and the integration of AI making AR apps more useful.

So what exactly can AI do for AR? Here are three key capabilities:

• Natural Interactions – With speech recognition and NLP, AR heads-up displays can now understand commands and conversations.
• Enhanced Scene Understanding – Computer vision identifies objects, textures, lighting and spatial details.
• Contextually Relevant Data – Based on the user‘s current physical world, AR can surface highly relevant info.

Let‘s now explore some of the top AI applications powering the latest wave of intelligent AR experiences.

13+ Impactful AI Use Cases for Augmented Reality

1. Object Labeling

By leveraging image classification and object detection models, AR apps can label real-world objects when they appear in the camera view. For example, Google Lens uses AI to identify products and landmarks.

Volkswagen‘s MARTA overlays labels on car parts to assist with repairs and maintenance.

2. Object Detection and Recognition

Detecting and classifying objects in real-time, AI empowers AR apps to understand scenes. IKEA Place uses AR computer vision to detect surfaces and suggest furniture that fits spaces.

3. Text Recognition and Translation

Extracting text with optical character recognition (OCR) and translating languages enables AR subtitles and labels. The Google Translate app provides real-time translations in AR.

4. Environment Reconstruction

AR apps like Home Depot‘s Room Planner can construct 3D models of your surroundings using AI-powered camera localization and geometry detection.

5. Hand Tracking

Tracking hand joints and movements opens up new interaction methods like gesture and sign language controls. The ManoMotion SDK provides real-time AR hand tracking capabilities.

6. Body Tracking and Pose Estimation

Full body tracking lets AR avatars mirror real-world movements and mannerisms. Apps like Holopundits leverage ARKit to track users‘ poses and gestures during virtual interactions.

7. Face Tracking and Expression Analysis

Facial tracking allows AR filters and avatars to respond to the user‘s head position, facial expressions and emotions in real-time based on algorithms recognizing facial muscle movements.

8. Scene Segmentation and Understanding

Segmenting a camera view into semantic classes aids deeper environmental understanding. For example, distinguishing walls, floors, furniture, windows, and objects allows more realistic visual interactions.

9. Multi-User AR Experiences

Shared participation blends virtual and real worlds in new ways. Apps like WallaMe use ARKit to create multi-player AR games anchored to real rooms.

10. AI-Generated AR Content

Generative AI can automatically produce infinite virtual content tailored to users‘ contexts and preferences. For instance, various startups are exploring AR ads populated with AI-created products.

11. AR Simulations

Physics engines and simulation models enable realistic rendering of how virtual objects like liquids, clothing or hairstyles would behave in the real-world.

12. Contextually Relevant Data Overlays

Based on location and environmental factors, AR can surface situationally relevant data to users. For example, a factory AR app could highlight nearby equipment needing preventative maintenance.

13. AR Navigation and Wayfinding

AI powers AR heads-up map directions that adapt routes based on real-time obstacles and conditions. Apps like Mapxus offer indoor AR wayfinding for airports, malls and museums.

Powerful Industrial Applications of AI-Enhanced Augmented Reality

Let‘s explore some of the key industrial use cases where AI-powered AR is delivering major business value and productivity gains:

Construction

AR visualizations enhance architectural modeling, while AI capabilities like real-time object detection enable advanced applications like warning workers of hazardous equipment or zones.

According to ABI Research, AR in construction will produce over $5 billion in cost savings by 2022. Intelligent AR apps are helping builders save money, improve safety, and complete projects faster.

Manufacturing & Field Service

AR interfaces enable hands-free access to manuals, remote expert collaboration on repairs, and step-by-step process guidance. According to analysis by GlobalData, industrial AR usage will grow from $1.4 billion in 2018 to over $12 billion by 2024.

Retail & Ecommerce

Retailers are enhancing shopping across digital and physical with AR technology. 61% of retailers plan to deploy either AR or VR solutions by 2022 according to Gartner. Enabling features like virtual try-ons and product customization helps drive greater customer engagement.

Comparison of Leading Augmented Reality Platforms

Leading technology companies are racing to deliver the most robust AR toolkits infused with AI capabilities. While still early, AR promises to soon transform our daily lives in the ways AI is already doing.

The Exciting Road Ahead for AI & Augmented Reality

AR enhanced by AI stands to revolutionize countless aspects of our world – from industrial manufacturing to healthcare, education, entertainment, marketing, and beyond. As algorithms grow more powerful and AR interfaces more intuitive, a new computing paradigm is emerging.

Here are some exciting possibilities on the horizon:

• AR Cloud – Persistent global maps enabling enhanced location-based services and multi-user experiences.
• Everyday Wearables – Sleek AR glasses providing an "AI co-pilot" overlay for information and interactions.
• Retail Revolution – AR radically changing how we shop, enabling visualization, customization and virtual ownership of products.
• Training Transformation – AR simulations and AI personalized instruction optimizing education and workplace skills development.
• Any Environment Computing – AR heads-up displays enabling seamless usage of digital tools in any real-world context.

The melding of our physical and digital worlds is a thrilling next chapter filled with boundless potential. Much like mobile apps fundamentally changed usage of the internet, AR promises to bring new utility to every space and activity imaginable. And AI will be the intelligence making our augmented worlds smart, intuitive and profoundly useful.