The First Industry to Use Augmented Reality
The first industry to use AR technology was retail. Retailers started using AR to provide customers with a more immersive shopping experience by allowing them to see how products would look in their homes or on their bodies before making a purchase.
One of the earliest examples of AR in retail was the IKEA AR app, which allowed customers to place virtual furniture in their homes to see how it would look and fit. The app was launched in 2013 and has since been downloaded by millions of users worldwide.
Another example is the Lululemon AR app, which allows customers to try on clothes virtually before buying them.
Impact of AR in Retail
The impact of AR in retail has been significant. According to a study by Statista, 60% of shoppers believe that AR technology will make shopping more enjoyable. Additionally, a survey by Augmented Reality Market size report found that the global AR market in the retail sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 45% from 2021 to 2028.
Retailers have also reported increased sales and reduced return rates due to the use of AR technology. For example, IKEA reported that its AR app resulted in a 79% increase in purchases. Similarly, Lululemon’s AR app led to a 35% increase in virtual try-ons, resulting in a 20% increase in sales.
Other Industries Using AR Technology
While retail was the first industry to use AR technology for commercial purposes, it is not the only one. Other industries that have started using AR include healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
In healthcare, AR technology is being used to improve patient outcomes by providing real-time visualization of surgical procedures and improving diagnostic accuracy. For example, the da Vinci Surgical System uses AR to provide surgeons with a 3D view of the patient’s anatomy, which improves precision and reduces the risk of complications.
In manufacturing, AR technology is being used to improve production efficiency by providing workers with real-time information about their workstations and allowing them to visualize complex designs and assembly instructions. For example, GE Aviation uses AR to provide maintenance technicians with real-time information about aircraft engines, which reduces downtime and improves safety.
In education, AR technology is being used to enhance learning experiences by providing students with immersive and interactive environments. For example, the HoloDeck VR system allows students to explore historical events in a virtual reality environment, which enhances their understanding of the subject matter.
Future of AR Technology
The future of AR technology looks bright, with experts predicting exponential growth in its adoption across various industries. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global AR market is expected to reach $214.3 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 67.8% during 2020-2025.
As AR technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in various industries. For example, AR could be used in the construction industry to provide real-time visualization of building designs and improve project management efficiency. In the transportation industry, AR could be used to enhance driver safety by providing real-time information about road conditions and potential hazards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first industry to use augmented reality for commercial purposes was retail. Retailers started using AR technology to provide customers with a more immersive shopping experience, which resulted in increased customer satisfaction, reduced return rates, and improved sales. Other industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education have also started using AR technology to improve their operations and enhance the learning experience. As AR technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications across various industries.