Augmented reality in practice

Applications with AR (augmented reality) have become very popular in recent years. In this blog we explain more about the added value of AR using a real-world example.

What is augmented reality?

AR is a technology in which you add a 3D object to reality. The object is projected onto the real world through the camera of a tablet, smartphone or AR headset.

Your experience of the world can be improved or enlarged with this technology. Images, sounds and other virtual additions are integrated with objects in the real world. Well-known successful examples of AR are the apps of Ikea Mobile and Nintendo's Pokémon Go.

What is the difference between augmented reality and virtual reality?

In a 360 degree, immersive image, VR (virtual reality) replaces reality. You play a Super Mario game, for instance, and you are Mario. Through a VR headset you only see the virtual world. The movements you make in the game are fully picked up by your senses. Look to the left and the virtual world moves with you. AR, by contrast, projects virtual content, perceived as 3D objects, onto the real world. You can still see the real world.

"JAM-IT moves with the times and thinks it is important to prepare for the future."

Martijn Raats

A real-world example

The municipality of Rotterdam is also working with AR in various projects. Mendix Expert Armando Jacobus was asked to advise on how the municipality could use augmented reality to deliver better services to the residents of Rotterdam, among other things.

What can you do with AR?

One example is the 'playground' project of the municipality of Rotterdam. The goal of this project is to let residents vote on which piece of play equipment they want to see in their neighbourhood. This results in higher interaction and involvement with residents.

Residents receive a letter from the municipality with a QR code. By scanning the QR code with the app, the play equipment appears and you can choose from various colours and models. As an extra touch, sounds of children playing can be added. Everyone is asked to cast their vote at the press of a button.

It is also possible to go to the playground itself. A sign with a QR code can be placed in the playground, so residents can vote that way too.

What does AR give me?

Thanks to AR, plans become less abstract for residents, so they can picture better what the project involves. All in all, it allows you as a public authority to make a more informed choice, which means less correcting later in your project. It also saves on communication costs, because there is no longer any need to produce leaflets or brochures. It can genuinely lead to a cost saving.

**"You can see AR as an addition to your plans, not as a replacement for them."

Armando Jacobus

Another example

AR is also useful for engineers who have to work on industrial systems. With the help of AR you can identify components and pipework and then look up information about them, such as assembly instructions or stock levels. With that information the engineer can do the job faster and is better guided through the work. That results in a significant cost saving over the longer term.