When was augmented reality developed?

Introduction

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information on the real world. It has been around for several decades, but it wasn’t until recently that AR became mainstream and widely used in various industries. In this article, we will explore the history of AR and how it has evolved over time.

The Dawn of Augmented Reality

AR can be traced back to 1968 when Ivan Sutherland developed a computer graphics program called Sketchpad. This program allowed users to draw shapes and manipulate them in real-time, creating an interactive experience that was later known as AR. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that AR started to gain attention outside of academia.

One of the first commercial applications of AR was in the field of advertising. In 1993, Toyota used AR to promote its new Camry car by projecting a virtual image of the car onto a real-world billboard. This was an early example of how AR could be used to enhance the consumer experience and create a more immersive shopping experience.

The Emergence of Augmented Reality in Gaming

In the early 2000s, AR began to gain popularity in the gaming industry. One of the earliest examples of AR gaming was “Dogfight” developed by Tom Ivey in 1998. This game projected a virtual plane onto a real-world surface and allowed players to control the plane using motion sensors.

Another early example of AR gaming is “Ghostbusters World,” which was launched in 2014 by Niantic. This game uses AR to create an interactive experience where players can catch virtual ghosts and battle them in real-world locations.

AR has also found its way into the world of sports, with applications such as AR-enhanced training tools and real-time performance analysis systems. In 2019, the FIFA World Cup used AR to enhance the fan experience by providing live statistics and player information overlaid onto the field.

The Role of Augmented Reality in Education

AR has also found its way into the world of education. One example is “Aurasma,” which was launched by Apple in 2010. Aurasma uses AR to create interactive textbooks that allow students to explore content in a more immersive and engaging way. For example, a history book could use AR to bring historical events to life by overlaying digital images and animations onto real-world objects.

Another example of AR in education is “Virtual Field Trips,” which allows students to visit virtual field trips from the comfort of their classrooms. This technology has become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic as schools have had to switch to remote learning. Students can now take virtual tours of museums, historical sites, and other locations without ever leaving their homes.

The Future of Augmented Reality

AR technology continues to evolve, and we can expect to see even more exciting applications in the future. One area that is expected to see significant growth is in the field of healthcare. AR can be used to enhance medical procedures by providing real-time visualizations of patient anatomy, allowing doctors to make more precise diagnoses and treatments.

Another area where AR is expected to have a significant impact is in the world of manufacturing. AR can be used to provide workers with real-time instructions and guidance, reducing errors and improving efficiency. For example, General Electric uses AR to help workers assemble jet engine components by providing them with real-time guidance on how to properly install each piece.

The Future of Augmented Reality

AR is also expected to have a significant impact in the field of transportation. Self-driving cars use AR technology to overlay digital information onto the real world, allowing drivers to see potential hazards and navigate the road more safely.

Conclusion

Augmented reality has come a long way since its early days as a science fiction concept. Today, it is a widely used technology that is changing the way we interact with the world around us. As AR continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting applications in various industries. Whether you are an augmented reality developer or simply interested in this fascinating technology, there is no doubt that AR will continue to be a topic of interest and discussion for many years to come.