What are AI and AR?
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the technology that can replicate the cognitive functions of human intelligence like perceiving, reasoning, creating, and decision making. It is achieved by computer systems performing a series of tasks over a given data set, like training algorithms to predict outcomes and make decisions (machine learning) or processing huge volumes of data through neural networks to identify complex patterns (deep learning).
On the other hand, augmented reality (AR) is the technology that enhances a user's view of their surroundings by overlaying digital elements like images or text onto it, creating an immersive experience for them. It works by collecting visual data from the user's environment through their device camera and gyroscopes, processing it through a computer vision algorithm called SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) to track the user's position and movement and then placing the virtual elements based on the user's input. The unique characteristic of AR is that the digital elements placed in the AR environment remain fixed, even if the user is moving around.
How do AI and augmented reality (AR) work together?
Think of AR as an airplane and you are the pilot. AI will be your copilot providing accurate and crucial information that helps you make the right decisions. In the same way, AR-AI experiences are built to make problem solving easier and decision-making smoother. While AR gathers all the data through different cameras and sensors, AI uses this data to study your environment and interactions, and breaks down the situation for you with contextual information.
For example, if you are using virtual try-ons in a shopping app, which is AR in action, and you get a similar product list or product suggestions based on what you have tried so far, then that is AI working behind the scenes. Similarly, an engineer working on technical issues in an augmented reality space can get alerts from AI about the equipment's condition, potential hazards, and even get a step-by-step guide on how to resolve it. That's how powerful AR and AI can be when they work together.
How AI transforms AR usage and interactions
01 Computer vision and spatial awareness
AI makes an AR environment react to the user’s input more accurately and intuitively. While AR software is responsible for collecting visual data, it's the AI algorithms that process that data and help the device “perceive” the user’s environment the way they are viewing it. It calculates the relative depth and distance of objects from the user’s position and allows for accurate placement of digital elements. With this processing, AR software gets spatial awareness of the user's surroundings, making the AR experience more seamless and immersive.
02 Language and conversation
AI improves accessibility and communication between users in an AR environment through natural language processing (NLP). It helps with translation of a user’s speech or text seen in an augmented reality space, such as sign boards or product labels, to another language. Virtual assistants or chatbots within an AR experience can be enhanced with NLP to understand user queries and provide context-aware responses for effective communication.
03 Data analysis and prediction
Every interaction in an AR environment reflects user preferences, which can be collected and processed by AI to identify patterns and predict behaviors beforehand. It then tailors the AR experience to match the user's preferences and get more desired outcomes out of it. For example, AI can be used to customize AR experiences in retail, like virtual try-ons, by analyzing user preferences and generating product recommendations according to their preferred style, making it easier for a user to make a purchase.
The wide-ranged applications of AI-powered AR
Field service
Technicians can provide remote troubleshooting with ease through an AR remote assistance session, where AI can provide an automated diagnosis and identify parts of equipment based on the visual data received via the remote user's device.
Customer service
AR enables customers to help themselves install a product or fix a minor issue just by scanning a QR code and getting digital work instructions that are superimposed on their real-world view. AI can take this one step further by identifying the product model on its own and launching the relevant setup process for the customer.
Virtual inspections
Site inspectors conducting remote inspections through AR can automate the quality control process using AI. It can analyze the visuals captured during an inspection and compare with the 3D models in its database to detect anomalies or call out issues like missing bolts, incorrect alignment, and any deviations from the original design.
Manufacturing
Frontline workers benefit from AR overlays in the assembly line for increased throughput. When AI is combined with AR, it can check for accuracy of the assembly process, identify defects in components, and give proactive feedback based on historical data.
Maintenance and repair
Predictive maintenance is possible when AI systems are integrated with the digital infrastructure of an organization. Technicians will be alerted of equipment issues beforehand, helping them take preemptive measures and arrange for backup. They can also use AI-assisted AR to resolve those issues quickly via live visual assistance.
The benefits of combining AI and AR in business operations
01 Automation of repetitive tasks
Periodic audits, routine quality checks, or frequent queries are the first starting point in introducing AI into business operations. AI can be trained to conduct these routine and repetitive tasks while remote crews are connected in AR, making it easier for them to focus on complex tasks.
02 Reduced human errors
AI has the capacity to act as a "digital supervisor" in an AR environment. It checks the remote crew's work in real time for deviations and prompts them to correct it, ensuring they complete the job with minimal errors in one go.
03 Boosted operational efficiency
Frontline workers using AR in their workflows can integrate AI to get data-driven insights on their process about what is missing and how to improve the process for optimized outcomes. This helps in boosting operational efficiency and gives better ROI in the long run.
04 Smarter customer experiences
Whether it's a virtual try-on or a virtual property tour, AI enhances the AR experience for customers by giving personalized information based on the preferences they have mentioned earlier. By making AR experiences smarter with AI, businesses can optimize the customer's purchase journey and improve sales efficiently.
05 Enhanced productivity
With AI's efficiency in object or pattern recognition, service personnel can use it in their AR sessions to identify issues faster and fix more issues than they normally would. They can multitask with AI, where AI can handle multiple customer queries at a time, while the service technician can hone in on the ones that really need their attention.
Challenges in the implementation of AI and AR
While there are a lot of benefits to using AI and AR, there are substantial challenges that need to be addressed for successful deployment and adoption. Initial setup costs are high as it involves training AI with vast amounts of data and computational power, developing custom solutions, and integrating it with AR and existing business ecosystems. Owing to the volume of data for AI, businesses need to enhance their cybersecurity infrastructure to prevent breaches, misuse, or tampering with AI models. Additionally, the use of AR AI spaces calls for compliance with regulatory policies for data privacy and protection.
A look into the future of AI in AR
AI is a rapidly developing technology with growing interest in deep learning and language learning models (LLMs), primarily Generative AI. Its integration with AR will become more intuitive, where it will sort out real-world issues with little to no human input. Manual creation of AR assets will be gradually replaced with AI-generated ones, which can be instantly used in live visual interactions.
Just as AI technology moved from high-performance computing to cloud computing, it will become even more sophisticated with edge-based intelligence, where AI processing will happen on-device to support AR functionality offline or with low latency. With many technological advancements on the horizon, the future looks promising for the combination of AR and AI.