Augmented Reality in Work Environments

Augmented reality brings digital guidance into the physical world. It gives people the information they need, right in the context of the work they’re doing. On a shop floor, that might look like instructions or inspection points displayed directly on the equipment in front of them. It’s a shift toward real-time support. Adopting AR in manufacturing is like upgrading the folded map in your glovebox to using GPS and real time navigation in your car. Rather than looking up instructions on paper after you're lost, you can get guided instruction as you proceed to prevent the misdirection before it happens. This kind of guidance makes a real difference in how teams learn, stay safe, and stay productive. Especially as more experienced workers retire and newer employees come in without the same depth of knowledge. AR helps make that transition smoother. It supports faster training, clearer processes, and stronger retention of critical knowledge. This is a practical tool helping manufacturers respond to labor shortages, improve quality, and build more adaptive workflows. Curious about AR trends in manufacturing? Let's chat!

AR faces a challenge that most developers never encounter… reality refuses to stay still. A storefront changes its display weekly. A stadium transforms from a baseball field to a concert venue overnight. Lighting shifts from harsh noon sun to soft evening glow. Crowds ebb and flow, creating constantly changing occlusion patterns. Traditional computer vision often expects consistency. It matches predefined patterns against stable environments. But real spaces are fluid, dynamic, and unpredictable. We learned this early in our journey while testing at major venues. Out-of-the-box visual positioning systems (VPS) often perform well in static, controlled conditions but struggle when confronted with even minor real-world changes…. like a sudden holiday decoration or unexpected weather shifts. This forced us to rethink AR from the ground up. Instead of trying to catalog every possible variation, we built systems that understand the fundamental structure of spaces. They recognize when change is meaningful versus superficial. Today, our AR experiences maintain accuracy even as environments evolve. They can adapt to seasonal transitions, temporary changes, and dynamic lighting conditions without requiring constant updates. Perfect isn't real. Real is what matters.

Augmented Reality (AR) might help us build faster, but at what cost for safety? We just published a study in the Journal of Industrial Ergonomics exploring how AR impacts workers’ situational awareness during construction tasks. The paper is open access and linked below. In the experiment, participants built a large-scale physical pipe rack using one of three formats of design information: 1. Traditional 2D paper drawings 2. AR with a moderate level of digital design detail 3. AR with a high level of digital design detail The AR information was delivered through a HoloLens, which projected 3D images in a heads-up display that was visible during the construction task. Mid-task, we introduced a change: a bright light on the panel would illuminate, indicating that a nearby system was “pressurized." Participants were instructed to respond immediately by flipping a switch to isolate the system before continuing their task. The results were perhaps unsurprising, but more extreme than we hypothesized: - Participants using AR were significantly less aware of their surroundings - They were slower to detect and respond to the hazard - The effect was more pronounced with higher levels of AR detail - Older participants were the most affected This study shows an important trade-off. While AR can improve productivity, it may also reduce hazard recognition and slow response, especially for certain workers. Is the benefit in productivity worth the loss of awareness? You will have to decide! https://lnkd.in/gMXiNgfw

🎯Working smarter, not harder. An artist recently used metaverse goggles to overlay digital stencils directly onto real-world surfaces, transforming how physical art is created. By blending augmented reality with hands-on craftsmanship, the artist was able to visualize precise designs in real time before making a single permanent mark. ▶️This approach isn’t just creative; it’s strategic. It reduces trial and error, speeds up execution, and allows for rapid iteration without wasted materials. What once required multiple sketches, measurements, and corrections can now be done with clarity and confidence from the start. This is a powerful reminder that innovation isn’t about replacing human creativity it’s about amplifying it. The same principle applies across industries: when digital tools enhance decision-making at the point of execution, productivity and quality improve simultaneously. ▶️The future of work and creativity lives at the intersection of physical skill and digital intelligence. 💡How do you see immersive technologies like AR and the metaverse changing the way professionals work in your industry?

I'm going to say it: We're looking at Augmented Reality all wrong. Most people see the flashy demos and think "cool gimmick." Or a fun filter for social media. But you're missing the real story. The true power of AR isn't about escaping our world. It's about making our world smarter. Think of it like this: AR lets you put a digital sticky note on anything in the real world. A note that can be a video, a 3D model, or a simple instruction. So what? Why does that matter? It means... - A new mechanic can look at a complex engine and see a step-by-step repair guide floating over the exact parts. No more 500-page manuals. - You can point your phone at your empty living room and see if that new couch actually fits and matches your rug. No more expensive mistakes. - A surgeon can see a live 3D map of a patient's veins projected onto their body during a procedure. It brings a new level of precision when it matters most. This isn't about more tech for tech's sake. It's about one thing: Removing friction. It’s about getting the right information to the right person at the exact moment they need it. That’s the quiet revolution happening right now. I'm curious to hear from you: Where could this technology remove the biggest headache in YOUR job? Let me know in the comments.

The future of construction is not about blueprints on paper, it is about blueprints you can walk through before a single brick is laid. With AR and VR, project monitoring becomes real-time, safety gets smarter, and efficiency is redefined. Imagine pointing a single scanner at a site and instantly visualizing the entire structure in detail walls, beams, utilities everything right in front of your eyes. Having worked closely in the AR/VR space, I see this not just as a tool, but as a shift in how we design, build, and deliver infrastructure. It reduces costly errors, brings stakeholders on the same page, and saves time in ways we couldn’t have imagined a few years back. This is only the beginning. The question is — are we ready to adopt these technologies fast enough to transform how the world is built? #ARVR #DigitalTransformation #ConstructionTech

What if you could review a mock up of your project facility in your conference room, but without building a physical mock up... And with the super power to zoom in and out to whatever details are important to you. You can! All you need is #BIM, Resolve, and a Meta Quest 3. With Resolve's collaboration and passthrough capabilities you can review fully federated BIM projects in #VR and #AR with your team. Place your model in your conference room table and gather around to discuss critical maintenance and safety concerns. Then zoom into equipment to understand the install procedure before you get on site. Even if someone isn't physically present their avatar will show up in the conference room with everyone else - no air travel required! Better for the project budget and the environment 🌎

🌟 Thrilled to share remarkable insights from the recent GAO report on the adoption of #ImmersiveTechnologies across federal agencies, that I had the honor to advise on via XRSI ! 📘 🔍 The report, GAO-24-106665, highlights how 17 of the 23 surveyed federal civilian agencies are leveraging augmented reality, virtual reality, and more to transform their operations. 🔗 Link to the full GAO report: https://lnkd.in/gKYHSjtC Here's what They've learned: 🎓 Workforce Training: Agencies are using VR and AR for realistic, impactful training sessions, significantly enhancing skills development. 🌐 Public Outreach: Immersive tech is powering dynamic public engagement initiatives, making interactions more accessible and engaging. 🩺 Clinical Support: Virtual tools are revolutionizing mental health treatments and physical rehabilitation, providing crucial support to healthcare professionals. 💡 Benefits Observed: 📊 Enhanced data visualization leads to better decision-making. 🛡️ Improved safety protocols ensure a secure working environment. 🏗️ Innovations in design and planning through immersive simulations. 🙌 A special shoutout to Kristina Podnar, Julia Scott and Bhanujeet Choudhary for leading this conversation alongside me. Your leadership and expertise continue to drive our mission forward. 🤝 Heartfelt thanks to all the #XRSI advisors whose gracious contributions empower us to serve our federal and government stakeholders effectively. Your support is invaluable as we navigate the complexities of emerging technologies together. Let's continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with #ImmersiveTechnology! 💪 #XRSI #VirtualReality #AugmentedReality #Innovation #PublicSafety #FederalAgencies #GAOReport #ImmersiveHealthcare #XR #VR #SpatialComputing #VirtualReality #ExtendedReality

This week Helen Giza and the team at Fresenius Medical Care made an exciting announcement from the world of education and training in kidney care. For the first time, Fresenius will use augmented reality (AR) to train medical staff in the ICU setting. The new AR application, called Ready4 multiFiltratePRO AR, combines digital learning elements with real-life training on the Fresenius Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy (CKRT) system. “Ready4 AR” will launch in select markets in Q2 2024 followed by broader launches in Europe, MENA, and APAC regions. The CKRT system is currently being used in over 40 countries across the globe. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐰? Nursing shortages in the ICU are a significant concern in hospitals and healthcare systems worldwide — especially given high staff turnover rates and staff taking on new tasks at short notice. In a world where staffing will continue to dominate our short list of challenges across care settings, we must find better, faster, more cost-effective ways to support tech-enabled care teams in the field. Not only is this essential to recruiting and maintaining a well prepared workforce, but it will also reduce friction that currently stands in the way of life-saving medical devices reaching the patients who need them most. -- I wrote a bit more about the role and importance of spatial computing and what this announcement means in the context of kidney care in today's Signal. What's inside: •  Ready4 AR launch •  Why now? •  Why spatial computing? •  Suggested reading •  Data Read it here: https://lnkd.in/e-B3mgEk #health #innovation #medicine #training #dialysis *** I'd love to hear what you think! How would you want to see AR used in your area of expertise? How might it have helped in your work or training? Sources: [1] https://lnkd.in/ekuqANG4 [2] https://lnkd.in/edyreZap [3] https://lnkd.in/ePz2jhNG

Just finished a deep dive into how AR and XR are quietly transforming the modern workplace, and I’m convinced this shift is far more than a tech trend. We often hear about automation, AI, and data pipelines. But on the ground, it’s immersive tech that’s helping teams 𝗼𝗻𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿𝘀, and 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 without flying in experts. DHL uses smart glasses to guide warehouse pickers in real time. GE Aerospace trains technicians with AR overlays instead of thick manuals. Coca-Cola HBC connects frontline staff to remote support through wearable devices. The gains? Fewer mistakes, faster execution, more engaged teams. What stood out most: AR/XR isn’t replacing people; it’s making their jobs easier, safer, and smarter. If your org is still stuck on PowerPoint training and in-person troubleshooting, the gap is already growing. Happy to share insights from my write-up if you’re exploring immersive workflows. #DigitalTransformation #AR #XR #FutureOfWork #OperationalExcellence #ImmersiveTech ------------------------     ✅ Follow me on LinkedIn at https://lnkd.in/gU6M_RtF to stay connected with my latest posts.   ✅ Subscribe to my newsletter “𝑫𝒆𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒚 𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝑰” https://lnkd.in/gF4aaZpG to stay connected with my latest articles.   ✅ Please 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞, Repost, 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 if you find this post insightful.   ✅ Please click the 🔔icon under my profile for notifications!