With Pokemon Go dominating social media conversations and tabloid headlines, augmented reality (AR) has taken a centre stage. But this gaming application isn't the lone instance. Google Translate's sign translation has been utilizing AR for what seems like forever. And now it is only a matter of time when the technology blurs the line between real and virtual and merges the two worlds.
According to Digi-Capital, the augmented reality market is projected to generate $120 billion in revenue by 2020. That's four times the $30 billion business virtual reality will generate by the same time.
AR can disrupt the mobile market. With behemoths like Google and Microsoft gobbling up intellectual property, the stage is set for AR's grand entry in the consumer market. And global brands are leaving no stone unturned to monetize this channel. While TopShop's Kinect dressing room lets shoppers to virtually try on their purchases, Converse's Sampler app allows shoppers to try on any shoe in the range by simply pointing their phone to their leg. Volkswagen is also using spatial augmented reality to project virtual data onto real vehicle design models, which allows them to analyse components straight away. Even academic institutions are not shying away from experimenting with AR. Recently, University of Wisconsin-Madison created a documentary on Dow Day Protest 1967 that could only be viewed with the use of augmented reality technology. The participating students could point their camera at a location on the campus to learn what was happening at that spot during the protest.
This digital transformation wave is pushing enterprises to the edge, inspiring them to evolve. Add to this the low cost of entry into AR, and there'll be a much rapid adoption rate. On one hand, while this has led to collective investments worth $587 Million in companies like Magic Leap and Blippar, on the other hand it has encouraged companies like NIIT Ltd. to work towards equipping developers with new-age skills such as Internet of Things(IOT), Web Technologies, Robotics, Design Thinking etc. under NIIT.
From Real to Virtual - Transforming The Workplace
Augmented reality isn't just disrupting industries on a superficial level, it is changing how things work at the molecular level within workplaces. Speaking of workplace transformation, hiring can be an area of concern for IT industries. Creating AR tools requires more than everyday knowledge of computer graphics; it calls for in-depth understanding of image processing and computer vision techniques, 3D modelling and desktop, the web and mobile programming. Thus, it becomes necessary to empower graduates with a digital skillset that can complement the changing workplace needs in the age of transformation.
There'll be a pool of billion job seekers by 2050; the challenge is to make them digitally adept in matching global standards. The current dearth of employable talent in the field of AR calls for proactive skill development measures by Indian & Global IT companies. Today, 77% of companies considered missing digital skills as the key hurdle to their digital transformation. The need of the hour is to shift the focus of education from imparting knowledge to building skills in this area.
And this presents a whole new set of possibilities for us at NIIT. After studying the changing IT skills requirement for the industry very closely, we've introduced the DigiNxt program. It includes Digital Transformation Technology Programs such as Internet of Things (IOT), Web Technologies, Robotics, Design Thinking and many more under the Skills and Careers Group. This is a step forward in our commitment towards providing the industry polished IT professionals, armed with new-age skills, and helping companies to explore and unveil the complete potential of digital transformation.
Contemplating the Future
Augmented Reality is here to stay and the possibilities are endless. The technology will soon become a part of nearly every major industry. However, to garner its real potential, enterprises must start out early, just like Indian startup, Empower Labs, and deal tactfully with the shortcomings.
Companies will have to battle odds like information overload, possible over-reliance on augmented reality, and privacy concerns. Besides, they'll need to employ the right talent and equip the workforce with next-gen tools that'll merge the real and digital worlds. The key to success is having the right blend of tech, talent, and creativity.
An article by:-
Prakash Menon, President, Global Skills and Careers Group, NIIT Ltd