How Has Augmented Reality Changed in the Last 10 Years?

The Evolution of Augmented Reality: A Decade of Transformation with 3D Human Models

The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented augmented reality (AR) transformation. Augmented reality, often abbreviated as AR, has transcended its initial novelty status and evolved into a powerful technology with diverse applications in various industries. One of the most intriguing developments in AR during this time has been the emergence and evolution of 3D human models. In this article, we will explore how augmented reality has changed over the last ten years, focusing on the pivotal role played by 3D human models.

The Early Days of Augmented Reality

A decade ago, augmented reality was a relatively obscure concept. It was primarily associated with gimmicky smartphone apps that could overlay simple graphics or information on a smartphone’s camera feed. While these early applications were fun and had some practical uses, they were far from the immersive and sophisticated experiences we see today.

One of the notable advancements during this period was the development of marker-based AR. This technology relied on physical markers or triggers to activate AR content. Users would point their device’s camera at these markers to unlock digital overlays. While this was a step forward, it was still limited regarding interactivity and realism.

The Rise of Mobile AR

Around 2017, mobile AR took a significant leap forward by introducing ARKit for iOS devices and ARCore for Android. These software development kits (SDKs) enabled developers to create AR experiences that were not dependent on markers. Instead, they used the device’s sensors and cameras to understand the environment and place virtual objects in the real world more seamlessly.

This marked the beginning of a new era in augmented reality, where AR apps became more accessible to a broader audience. Users could enjoy experiences like interactive games, navigation assistance, and interior decorating apps without needing specialized hardware.

3D Human Models: A Game-Changer

One of the most significant developments during this period was integrating 3D human models into AR applications. These models, often called avatars or digital humans, have had a transformative impact on AR for several reasons.

Enhanced Realism:

3D human models brought a level of realism to AR that was previously unimaginable. These models are designed to mimic human movements, expressions, and interactions. As a result, AR experiences started to feel more lifelike, blurring the lines between the virtual and real worlds.

Personalization:

With the use of 3D human models, AR applications could offer a greater degree of personalization. Users could create avatars closely resembling them, allowing for a more immersive and relatable experience. This personalization extended beyond gaming into fields like virtual try-ons for fashion and cosmetics.

Social AR:

The advent of 3D human models played a pivotal role in the rise of social augmented reality. Apps like Snapchat and Instagram introduced AR filters and lenses, including virtual characters and avatars. Users could now communicate and express themselves using these digital personas, leading to a new era of social interaction.

Virtual Collaboration:

3D human models also found applications in virtual collaboration and teleconferencing tools. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote work and online meetings became the norm, these models allowed users to interact in virtual spaces more naturally, making sessions feel less distant.

Beyond Entertainment: Practical Applications

While 3D human models initially gained popularity in the entertainment and social media sectors, their utility extended to practical and professional applications.

Healthcare and Medical Training:

In the medical field, 3D human models have been used for training. Surgeons can practice procedures on lifelike virtual patients, improving their skills and reducing the risk associated with actual surgeries.

Education:

Education saw a significant transformation with the integration of 3D human models. Students could engage in immersive history lessons by interacting with historical figures or learn about biology by exploring 3D models of cells and organs.

Retail and E-Commerce:

Virtual try-ons for clothing and makeup became a game-changer for the retail industry. Customers could see how a product would look on them before making a purchase, reducing returns and improving the online shopping experience.

Training and Simulation:

Various industries, including aviation and manufacturing, have used 3D human models for training and simulation. Pilots can practice emergency procedures in a virtual cockpit, and factory workers can learn to operate machinery safely in a virtual environment.

The Future of Augmented Reality

As we look ahead, the future of augmented reality seems promising. The technology is poised to continue evolving rapidly, driven by hardware, software, and 3D modelling techniques advancements.

AR Glasses: The development of AR glasses, such as those by companies like Apple and Google, is expected to take AR experiences to the next level. These glasses will provide a more immersive and hands-free AR experience, further integrating AR into our daily lives.

Improved 3D Models: 3D human models will become even more realistic and responsive, thanks to advancements in machine learning and AI. They will be able to adapt to user expressions, gestures, and emotions, making AR interactions even more lifelike.

Enterprise Applications: Augmented reality will see increased adoption in enterprise settings. Industries like architecture, construction, and maintenance will use AR for on-site assistance and remote collaboration, enhancing productivity and reducing errors.

Education and Training: Educational institutions and businesses will continue to leverage AR for training and learning purposes. Simulated environments with 3D human models will become standard in fields requiring practical skills.

Healthcare Advancements: In healthcare, AR will play a crucial role in diagnosis and treatment planning. Surgeons may use AR to visualize patient-specific data during surgeries, improving precision and outcomes.

Conclusion

In the last decade, augmented reality has transformed from a novel concept into a technology that touches nearly every aspect of our lives. Integrating 3D human models has played a vital role in this evolution, making AR experiences more realistic, personalized, and practical. AR continues to hold immense potential as we look to the future, with further advancements in hardware and software set to revolutionize industries and our daily experiences. It’s clear that the journey of augmented reality is far from over, and we can expect even more exciting developments in the years to come