Description: Augmented Reality (AR) is an interactive experience where real-world environments are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information. This technology combines virtual elements with the physical environment, allowing users to interact with both simultaneously. Through devices like smartphones, tablets, or special glasses, AR overlays images, sounds, and other digital data onto reality, creating an enriched experience that can be used in various applications across different technological contexts. AR is characterized by its ability to provide contextual information in real-time, making it especially useful in fields such as education, medicine, entertainment, and commerce. Its relevance lies in how it transforms human interaction with the environment, facilitating a deeper understanding and a more immersive experience of the reality around us.
History: Augmented Reality has its roots in the 1960s when Ivan Sutherland developed the first virtual reality system known as ‘The Sword of Damocles’. However, the term ‘augmented reality’ was coined by Tom Caudell in 1990 while working at Boeing, aiming to enhance information visualization in manufacturing. Over the years, the technology has evolved significantly, with milestones such as the release of ARToolKit in 1999, which allowed developers to create AR applications. In 2016, the launch of Pokémon GO popularized AR among the general public, demonstrating its potential in entertainment and everyday use.
Uses: Augmented Reality is used in a variety of fields, including education, where it allows students to interact with complex concepts through interactive visualizations. In medicine, it is employed for training surgeons and visualizing anatomy. In commerce, AR applications allow consumers to virtually try products before purchasing them. Additionally, it is used in the entertainment industry, in video games and mobile applications, as well as in tourism, where users can obtain additional information about historical sites through their devices.
Examples: A notable example of Augmented Reality is the IKEA Place app, which allows users to visualize furniture in their home before purchasing. Another case is the use of AR in education, such as the Google Expeditions app, which offers immersive learning experiences. In the entertainment realm, Pokémon GO is an iconic example that combines AR with real-world exploration, allowing players to capture virtual creatures in their physical environment.
