Enterprise fuelling growth for Augmented Reality market
A new report by ABI Research forecasts Augmented Reality in the enterprise to “explode” over the next five years, with the technology adding novel functionalities to enhance productivity. The research cites remote assistance as the main field of use with increased safety and efficiencies.
It is predicted that investors and project managers will explore applications for devices, particularly wearables such as smart glasses, with shipments forecast to reach 27 million by 2021. Large investments may be made in healthcare, industry and government.
AREA member DAQRI is mentioned in the research. Eric Abbruzzese, Senior Analyst for ABI Research, comments: “For 2016, initial tests and low-volume implementations will be expanded to higher volume investment and rollout, creating a more mature and disruptive marketplace for 2017. Devices with more powerful processing and hands-free input methods, such as ODG’s R7 and DAQRI’s Smart Helmet, stand best suited for industrial and healthcare usage.”
Influential factors on device differentiation include display quality, field of view, processing power, battery life, input options and price. The research points out that some well-established developers, such as Vuzix and Optinvent, are attempting to lower prices to increase market appeal.
AREA member Boeing, who is an early adopter of Augmented Reality in the enterprise, and GE, are both key proponents in highlighting the interest surrounding AR technology, and in encouraging other enterprises to get involved.
The market has seen an influx of new competitors, however, it is anticipated that those with established manufacturing infrastructure and device experience may be better suited to meet market demand. Abbruzzese sees 2017 as an important time frame for large-scale implementations and an increase in supporting software and content.
These findings are from ABI Research’s Enterprise-Focused Augmented Reality Glasses.