Augmented Reality (AR) for Training: Use Cases, Success Stories, Challenges, and Costs

Augmented Reality (AR) for Training - ScienceSoft

ScienceSoft has been providing augmented reality development services since 2006.

AR for Training: The Essence

AR software for training is aimed at reducing onboarding time by 40-60%, boosting hands-on skill acquisition, eliminating risks during training, and enhancing 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.

AR training application architecture - ScienceSoft

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.

(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.

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.

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.

Got an Idea for Your Own AR Training Software?

ScienceSoft’s business analysts with experience in over 30 industries will help you finalize your AR software concept and skilled AR developers will deliver it in time and on budget.

3D modeling

AR application

Image analysis

Back-end programming languages

Microsoft .NET

Practice

19 years

Projects

200+

Workforce

60+

Our .NET developers can build sustainable and high-performing apps up to 2x faster due to outstanding .NET proficiency and high productivity.

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Java

Practice

25 years

Projects

110+

Workforce

40+

ScienceSoft's Java developers build secure, resilient and efficient cloud-native and cloud-only software of any complexity and successfully modernize legacy software solutions.

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Python

Practice

10 years

Projects

50+

Workforce

30

ScienceSoft's Python developers and data scientists excel at building general-purpose Python apps, big data and IoT platforms, AI and ML-based apps, and BI solutions.

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Node.js

Practice

10 years

Workforce

100

ScienceSoft delivers cloud-native, real-time web and mobile apps, web servers, and custom APIs ~1.5–2x faster than other software developers.

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PHP

Practice

16 years

Projects

170

Workforce

55

ScienceSoft's PHP developers helped to build Viber. Their recent projects: an IoT fleet management solution used by 2,000+ corporate clients and an award-winning remote patient monitoring solution.

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Golang

Practice

4 years

ScienceSoft's developers use Go to build robust cloud-native, microservices-based applications that leverage advanced techs — IoT, big data, AI, ML, blockchain.

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Cloud storage

Amazon Redshift

We use Amazon Redshift to build cost-effective data warehouses that easily handle complex queries and large amounts of data.

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Azure Cosmos DB

We leverage Azure Cosmos DB to implement a multi-model, globally distributed, elastic NoSQL database on the cloud. Our team used Cosmos DB in a connected car solution for one of the world’s technology leaders.

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Google Cloud Datastore

We use Google Cloud Datastore to set up a highly scalable and cost-effective solution for storing and managing NoSQL data structures. This database can be easily integrated with other Google Cloud services (BigQuery, Kubernetes, and many more).

Challenge

Real world objects and people can unrealistically occlude with 3D models on the screen.

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Solution

AR software’s ability to recognize and classify real world objects as well as use depth maps will help realistically place virtual objects in front of or behind real objects and people. Depth maps can be created in the app with the help of depth algorithms, which calculate the distance between a device and real objects/people in the camera view.

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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.

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Solution

In-depth case-by-case approach to UX and UI design can ensure proper use of the available space on a device screen or glasses lenses. Rigorous user testing is also a must since it helps ensure that the AR software navigation is intuitive.

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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.).
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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.
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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.