Augmented reality (AR) technology has come a long way in the past decade, and LightGuide Systems has been evolving along with it. But today’s most complex and sophisticated AR technologies only make up the first few drops of what’s shaping up to be a downpour of innovation in the near future. Enterprise AR, in particular, comprises a large segment of the AR market, and promises significant growth.
As we look ahead into 2020 and beyond, rapid improvements in the enterprise AR space are opening up the technology for a wider range of industrial applications, especially as organizational leaders begin to see the incredible power and value these solutions offer.
As a global leader in the enterprise AR space, we have the knowledge and foresight to predict some of the most groundbreaking augmented reality trends that are revolutionizing the way companies operate.
Adoption
With so many exciting AR technologies coming to fruition, the next two years are likely going to be foundational for the industry. We’re jumping technological and logistical hurdles more frequently, paving the way for innovative new applications and, more importantly, wider adoption.
As more of the industrial and commercial sector recognize the benefits of AR, I believe it will flow into the mainstream—especially as the hardware becomes faster, lighter, more accurate and easier to use.
Even public institutions like the U.S. Army are partnering with AR makers like Microsoft to use its HoloLens AR headset technology for combat missions and training—a big leap in ensuring the power of augmented reality is visible in the public eye.
Advancement
Greater adoption of enterprise AR means a more diverse array of industries are experimenting with the technology and expanding its application. As more organizations use AR hardware, there will be a growing demand for AR solutions providers to direct, develop and deploy the technology at the organizational level.
As a result, enterprise AR providers like ours are able to identify promising use cases and leverage platforms and software to work in environments customized for the business.
Once a challenge to implement effectively, authoring work instructions and simplifying the AR user experience is now drastically better as providers master the formula for broad-sweeping success—a refinement process that will only improve into 2019 and beyond.
Consolidation
As is the case with most new industries, as AR technology becomes more advanced and widely adopted, once-prominent players will eventually be bought out, enter bankruptcy or simply shutter entirely. In fact, this is a trend that is already happening.
Consolidation of companies making AR solutions, especially in the hardware space, is inevitable and reflects the fierce competition and profound need for companies to keep pace with the industry. Standout providers will rise to the top, while the rest fade into obscurity.
Security
Augmented reality technologies, similar to most technology these days, are at risk of attack by cybercriminals. While projection-based AR platforms like LightGuide Systems are hardwired and less vulnerable to hacking and data theft, wearables and cloud-based systems present potential exposure of critical information.
When AR solutions providers design their technology, cybersecurity is, and will continue to be, a top priority. Significant cybersecurity trends as it relates to enterprise AR include localization of data to the plant or facility instead of on the wearable, new WPA encryption standards, physical security, on-site data storage solutions and more.
With the rapid advancement of enterprise AR technology showing no signs of slowing, business leaders would be wise to anticipate more breakthroughs in the years to come.
Interested in learning more about emerging enterprise AR trends? Read our founder and CEO’s recent article in Forbes or send us a message to connect with our team!