Augmented Reality (AR) for Training: Use Cases, Success Stories, Challenges, and Costs
ScienceSoft has been providing augmented reality development services since 2006.
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AR for Training: The Essence
AR software for training is designed to make training processes more engaging, boost hands-on skill acquisition, and eliminate training risks. AR-powered training solutions help reduce onboarding time by 40–60% and enhance the quality of trainees' work by 90%.
The Market of AR for Training
The global market of augmented reality in corporate training and education was estimated at $8.34 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $29.89 billion by 2025, exhibiting a CAGR of 31%. The key drivers of the AR training market growth are the increasing accessibility of AR devices and the demand for a skilled workforce across industries.
How Augmented Reality Training Works
AR training application architecture
The two main parts of AR training software are a client app and the back end. To allow the client app to occupy less storage on a device (AR glasses or a tablet/smartphone), heavy-weighing AR algorithms that power core app features as well as metadata, 3D models, and any supplementary training materials are stored on the back end. When necessary, they can be quickly loaded in and used by the client app.
Key features of augmented reality training apps
Input data processing
The app receives and analyzes real world data via the camera lens of AR glasses, a tablet/smartphone, sensors (GPS, gyroscope, and accelerometer).
XYZ-plane detection
Automatic scan of the view in the camera lens and its interpretation as an image on an XYZ coordinate plane to properly overlay AR content on it.
Image/Object recognition
Recognition of specific QR codes/pictograms or certain objects (e.g., an equipment part or a tool model) that trigger retrieval of related AR data from the database.
Metadata, 3D model and media load
Request to the server and on-demand load of relevant explanatory comments and signs, 3D models, as well as voiceover guides or instructing videos in the app.
Motion tracking
Automatic adjustment (scaling, angle view, etc.) of AR content depending on trainee or device movements.
Industry-specific use cases of AR training
(for any industry) Onboarding
Guided navigation in the offices and effective safety training (e.g., building evacuation).
Retail
On-the-go training for store assistants and customer support specialists to familiarize them with products on offer (e.g., by putting a product in the camera lens, an employee can learn their price, qualities, stock).
Why in demand on the market? Training is combined with work, which helps reduce training costs.
Customer service and support
On-the-go training for customer support specialists to familiarize them with services or work style (e.g., while wearing AR glasses during a live conversation with a customer, a specialist will get reminders to ask specific questions or make promo suggestions).
Why in demand on the market? On-the-job training yields better results.
Healthcare
Guidance during medical procedures (general examination, blood drawing, wound dressing, etc.) via dynamic text tips and visual directions.
Why in demand on the market? Medical specialists at the career start can quickly bridge the skill gap and increase healthcare outcomes.
Professional services
Training for electricians, plumbers, telecommunication specialists, and experts of other domains aimed at learning to install, maintain, and repair complex products, tech systems, and other advanced equipment.
Why in demand on the market? Training time and costs are significantly lessened.
Manufacturing and construction
Training on safely operating and repairing heavy machinery deployed in factories or used on construction sites.
Why in demand on the market? The danger of practicing skills under actual conditions is reduced.
Success Stories of AR for Training
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Boeing uses AR for daily guidance of the technicians in charge of installation and maintenance of electrical wiring in aircraft. Instead of going through paper instructions with diagrams, technicians use voice commands, Google Glass gestural taps and a head-tracking interface to perform wire assembly. The change has resulted in 25% reduction of time spent on the task. |
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Accuvein is AR software for vein visualization that helps starting-out nurses with lack of practical experience reduce time of and raise precision in needle injection during any procedures that require venous access. By increasing the chances of a successful first injection by 3.5 times, the app lets hospitals annually save as much as $352,498. |
Technology Elements for AR Training Software
Challenges of Augmented Reality for Training
Challenge
Real world objects and people can unrealistically occlude with 3D models on the screen.
Challenge
The AR training app should provide all relevant information on the screen while still allowing trainees to observe the real world. As a result, the view can become overwhelming.
Implementation Costs
The cost of AR training software starts at $25-40K and largely depends on the scope of supported training scenarios. To provide a cost estimation of an AR training software development project, ScienceSoft relies on the following cost factors:
General cost factors
- Number and complexity of training scenarios and user/software interactions.
- Number of branching learning options/user roles.
- Types of targeted devices (tablet/smartphone or AR glasses).
Additional costs
- 3D model development (costs depend on the necessary amount of model detail and type of base material).
Operational costs
- Cloud services (price depends on the provider’s plan and pricing policy).
AR Training: Consulting and Development by ScienceSoft
With 17 years in augmented reality development, ScienceSoft is ready to provide both consulting and development services for your AR training app project.
AR training consulting
- AR training app concept finalization.
- Assistance with target device choice.
- AR training app architecture design.
- AR training technology stack definition.
- Planning an integration strategy with third-party software (LMS, CMS, ERP, etc.).
AR training development
- AR training app conceptualization.
- Device-specific UX and UI design.
- AR training app development and QA.
- 3D model design.
- Continuous support and evolution.
About ScienceSoft
ScienceSoft is a global IT consulting and software development company established in 1989 and headquartered in McKinney, TX. We develop AR training software that can be employed by businesses, training centers, and education facilities. Being ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified, we guarantee professional approach to quality and data security management in all our AR projects. Feel free to contact us to discuss the concept of your AR app for training.