Virtual reality (VR) immerses users in a simulated world while augmented reality (AR) adds digital enhancements to a real image so users can see beyond the real world around them. The industry is beginning to envision more AR growth potential than VR. This has prompted LUCI Group to foray into AR/MR, targeting not only industrial applications but also consumer markets.
According to Cori Shieh, secretary general, Taiwan Association for Virtual and Augmented Reality (TAVAR), VR enables a fully enclosed immersive experience. It is not likely that a user will wear a VR headset for extended periods of time, not to mention walking around with a VR headset on. On the other hand, AR, which combines virtuality and reality, fits closer to real life.
According to SuperData, investors are more interested in growing mobile AR and MR solutions, which are expected to pull in US$1.4 billion of the US$1.9 billion invested in immersive technologies including both VR and AR in 2018. AR and MR revenues will amount to US$3.2 billion in 2018.
Eyeing AR growth potential, Taiwan-based startup LUCI Group has been focusing efforts on AR and IoT technology developments since its establishment. Combining AR, building information modeling (BIM) and geographic information system (GIS) technologies, LUCI has introduced an ARIoT industrial application for use in manufacturing and construction. The application has been put to use by government agencies and private enterprises.
Aside from entertainment and gaming, how can the manufacturing sector make use of AR? LUCI gave an example. Underground piping may become inconsistent with the original layout plan due to environmental changes over time because these changes are not reflected on the layout plan.
In view of engineering design needs, LUCI uses AR technologies to deliver a three-dimensional (3D) model of the intricate piping system buried deep under the city so that users can have a simulated view of the water pipes on a mobile device. Users are able to visualize the pipes through building walls and precisely track their locations in and outside the walls.
Further to industrial applications, LUCI also applies AR to automobile sales. Its solution can instantly simulate views of different car colors, interior decorations or components such as wheel frames, enabling a realistic feel and optimal user experiences to promote sales. LUCI has engaged in collaboration talks with Gaius Auto to put the solution to use.
LUCI also presented its TAGTAG solution, a communication application with MR technologies, among the InnoVEX exhibits at Computex 2018. The solution allows users to engage in remote conference calls in a real space and add annotations in the space.
LUCI has been working on industrial applications and now expands from industrial management solutions to business and home-use markets by launching TAGTAG. Sometimes, verbal or text communication is not enough for people to clearly convey what they want to express. For example, when there is a leak or plumbing problem in the house, verbal or text communication may fail to precisely present the problem to a technician who cannot come to the scene in time for an assessment.
Under the circumstances, the homeowner can use a mobile device and TAGTAG to remotely connect with the technician who can show the homeowner the steps to follow and mark the locations of the switches to turn on/off. The homeowner can then take immediate actions to fix the problem and minimize potential damage.
According to LUCI, spatial annotation has vast applications including industrial management, automobile maintenance and repair, remote healthcare, distance learning, and customer service for home appliances. Especially now with cross-sector efforts to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency, not only can spatial annotation minimize potential damage as in the example above but it also enables communication beyond time and space barriers.
LUCI has also revealed its plan to extend MR applications to experiential marketing, targeting the food service sector. In the future, customers ordering meals at a restaurant will have more options than listening to the server describe menu items or flipping through menu pages themselves. They will be able to see menu information presented in 3D virtual images using a tablet or smartphone.
MR-enhanced menus will have diverse looks as to how information such as prices, specials, recommendations, ingredients, and calories can be presented. They can also work in combination with POS systems to remotely notify the kitchen to prepare the order. Adding an electronic payment system, restaurants can go fully digital.
Restaurant operators can save a tremendous amount of labor costs while enhancing customer experiences. Many of them are keen to introduce AR or MR applications to their businesses despite higher development costs.
LUCI Group enables a 3D view of an intricate underground piping system using AR technologies
Photo: Company
