Augmented Reality in 2020: Transforming Industries
Augmented Reality (AR) has been around for decades, but in 2020, it’s accelerating at an unprecedented pace, transforming the way we interact with the world. From shopping to healthcare, AR is changing how businesses operate and consumers experience products. Here are three industries making waves with AR this year:
1.) Automotive
AR is enhancing the car-buying experience like never before. Toyota, for example, lets customers explore 10 different car models directly through their social platforms — no app download required. Users can place vehicles in real-world environments like their driveway, inspect them from every angle, and engage with a fully immersive experience. This personalization streamlines the buying process and saves time for consumers.
2.) Real Estate
AR is disrupting home buying by allowing instant customization of interiors. Luxury brand Sotheby’s International Realty launched Curate, an AR platform that lets potential buyers visualize and modify spaces in real time. This not only enhances the buying experience but also saves brokers time and money by reducing the need for physical staging.
3.) Healthcare
AR is making surgeries safer and more precise. Tools like EchoPixel True 3D create 3D models from 2D scans, giving surgeons holographic views of the patient without touching screens or breaking sterile fields. Devices like Microsoft HoloLens provide real-time data overlays, improving outcomes and workflow efficiency.
The Future of AR
AR’s impact goes far beyond cars, real estate, or surgery. Mixed reality, the next frontier of immersive technology, is already shaping gaming, training, and enterprise applications. As Kentech-U CEO & CTO Jonathan Reeves notes, “The opportunities that hybrid reality brings are incredible. We’re seeing experiments today that will redefine how we experience the world.”
At Kentech-U, we help companies design and build AR products that bring these technologies to life. If you’re ready to explore how AR can transform your business, schedule time with one of our strategists today.