It is common to talk about things like the Internet of Things (IoT) and AR or augmented reality (AR) in isolation and the benefits are often captivating. But, IoT and AR could be even more effective when combined within the same context.
The combination hasn’t quite become mainstream however they are becoming more sought-after. The outcomes from AR IoT projects can be amazing when the people have the funds and forward-thinking mentality to rely on both technologies simultaneously.
1. Enabling Real-Time Navigation and Location-Based Information
Professionals who design mobile applications must be conscious of the needs of customers and preferences, and the ways technology can help them make the most of their experience. Most often they will see the IoT or AR integrate into mobile applications and allow brand owners to take advantage of opportunities.
One of the most significant advantages that comes with one of the major benefits offered by IoT is the capability to gain insight into customers through non-intrusive methods. Imagine a scenario where the manager of a store discovers that customers first visit websites after uttering the smart speaker’s prompt.
In this case the tech team of the store could develop a smart speaker ability that makes it simpler for customers to locate the products they require with spoken commands. There are some who believe that voice-enabled device interaction could eventually replace the customer service reps as well as chatbots.
The possibilities extend beyond retail as well. Factory managers might require employees to utilize wearables connected to their computers to identify the most dangerous or injury-prone tasks. Then, they can implement process modifications to ensure that people are safe. But, when you combine IoT IoT and AR together, the potential become clearer for helping people navigate their surroundings.
One discount chain of pharmacies planned the plan to set up thousands IoT sensors inside its retail locations and then use them in conjunction with AR smartphones to provide directions to stores. This way, customers can quickly discover what they require even if they’ve never been to the pharmacy in question. This would lessen the frustration and increase the chance of customers returning.
There are also AR IoT projects in the study phase that demonstrate what’s feasible. One project involved making use of dynamic and connected lighting markers in smart cities to provide pedestrians with safer walking routes. A different portion of the discussion offered suggestions like accessibility and traffic management.
2. Filling Talent and Training Gaps
It’s difficult to learn everything professionals in the present require to know using traditional methods of learning such as textbooks and lectures. While it’s beneficial, IoT is Internet of Things is, it also poses security risks for businesses that utilize it. A study of businesses that use IoT solutions showed that just 37% of respondents were aware of cyber-related risks posed by third party entities.
But, businesses that specialize in the field of cybersecurity could modernize their educational curriculums by offering courses that are that are enhanced by AR. When students are ready to make the transition from school to working in the real world, they will be better prepared to identify the signs of cybercrime, stop them, and deal with cyber-attacks online.
The manufacturing industry is also experiencing shortages of skilled workers. However, some of the leaders within the field have acknowledged how AR IoT projects could close the gap. In particular, it can improve the quality of training and make its content more relevant for the future generations of employees. If employees feel that their training is relevant and specific to their job and responsibilities, they’ll be more likely to remain in the positions they’re in. They might even invite friends to join their work places.
Utilizing technology like the IoT and AR to train could assist people in correcting their mistakes quicker. Certain workplaces allow employees to use devices to monitor metrics such as their body posture when lifting heavy objects or sitting in front of a computer. These IoT devices are able to detect any issues and provide real-time guidance on how to correct the issue. This helps them develop solid, long-lasting habits.
Combining IoT and AR can also assist company managers identify training opportunities. A lot of IoT sensors continuously collect data, and they are able to determine which processes have most errors. These are the most beneficial ones to focus on in the development of an AR-based training program or module.
3. Improving Maintenance Calls With AR IoT Projects
The IoT has significantly improved the way managers can ensure their equipment in good working order. Smart sensors gather 24/7 information, maintenance teams are able to detect problems before they lead to disruptive failures. Implementing a predictive maintenance strategy can result in savings of as high as 40% than reactive approaches. Utilizing augmented reality through the IoT lets technicians see what’s happening to machines without having to make visits to the site.
It’s the reason why people often believe that augmented reality is its interface to the internet of things. If someone is working with an intricate piece of equipment it’s understandable that they would appreciate assistance that can help them determine which part of the machine needs to be looked after. The IoT will provide this, while its sensors record the information that tells the technician that something’s not right.
The combination of IoT and AR proved beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic. One company introduced remote assistance capabilities to its employees of 200 during the crisis in health in order to enable them to carry on service calls with no having to visit in person. The ability to remotely access a machine using assistance from AR can also help reduce time and cost -substantial benefits when malfunctioning equipment is crucial to businesses.
When individuals conduct in-person inspections it is common for them to look into the problem before deciding to order parts before returning to put it in place. In the event that IoT sensors as well as AR reveal what’s happening before this process could improve efficiency.
Another benefit of putting AR together with the IoT in conjunction is that technicians who are newer can get help in real-time. It’s not difficult to see the benefits of identifying problems and then making use of an AR application to open the manual or checklist needed to investigate the issue in depth.
4. Using the IoT and AR During Emergency Evacuations
While many people go through the guidelines for being safe when taking care of emergencies, it could be difficult to understand how the lessons they’ve learned apply to actual scenarios. AR IoT initiatives could guide participants through activities such as making use of a fire extinguisher as well as finding the most secure exits by keeping track of their current positions and providing feedback.
Certain cloud-based IoT solutions can help homeowners and managers identify the immediate risks of gas leaks, fires or electrical malfunctions. If those solutions come with artificial intelligence that can help mitigate dangers. What is the best way to use the augmented reality feature with those IoT platforms? A schoolboy’s innovative project uses AR to create a green path onto the real-world environment of someone to assist them in escaping a fire.
The device can also direct you to the closest alarms or fire extinguishers. This is crucial, particularly since individuals can be lost when confronted with emergencies involving fire. The person who is working to improve the tool plans to include the “rescue me” button to the AR application. The button would relay the person’s location to the firefighters, assisting them to get back to safety as quickly as is possible. The addition will also display live-streamed footage of the person who is in need through their phone’s camera.
Certain AR IoT projects serve multiple reasons to ensure that people are safe in the event of a crisis. One project detects gas and fire up to 30 centimeters from sensors connected to it. It will send emergency messages on smartphones of users to warn them of the threat. After that it activates an AR component directs the user from their current place of residence through an evacuation route that leads to a safe location.
These solutions will become more effective as more people construct bigger, taller structures to handle the increasing urbanization. Making sure that the occupants are safe is always essential — and these solutions can help.
5. Supporting First Responders’ Resource Utilization
First responders are faced with the demanding task of being among the first people to arrive on the scene when people are suffering from illness, injury or suffering from any type of discomfort. In addition to figuring out the quickest route to get there and get there, they must also face challenges like conditions and the traffic.
The CHARIoT Challenge aimed to combine AR and the IoT to aid first responders in their demanding tasks. The IoT component of the project increased awareness of the situation by giving previously unobtainable data. The AR aspect provided dispatchers with information that could be used to improve public security. For instance the AR interface can make locating the fastest routes to scene more efficient by helping emergency responders avoid traffic back-ups.
The individuals who worked on this project have demonstrated how it could be utilized in different situations, such as the aftermath of a wildfire or an active shooter situation. First responders do not are aware of the challenges they could face in the course of attending to an emergency. All AR as well as IoT platforms need to be developed to be able to take into account this possibility.
The IoT and AR Can Be a Great Pairing
It takes time and resources to find the best ways to blend Augmented Reality with technology like the Internet of Things. However, it’s advantageous the two technologies are getting more widespread and accessible in our modern society. It’s easier to identify practical applications and technology companies that can make ideas come to reality.
The people who are thinking of taking on AR or the IoT must be clear about what they would like to accomplish and have expectations of how technologies will meet their needs. Decision-makers are better positioned to observe their technological investments yield results and create positive effects.