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AR Object Recognition: The Essentials And Two Examples In Training

Augmented reality (AR) object recognition enables unique experiential learning experiences that can transform your training program and boost learner engagement. This technology works by attaching a 3D digital object to an existing real-life 3D object. 

The technology behind AR object recognition is quite complex, but we’ve broken the process down into three simple steps:

  • Step 1: The app generates an image of the object using the camera from a phone or tablet. The app stores feature descriptors that help identify the reference image.  
  • Step 2: AR software recognizes the object within the real-world environment through feature points. To recognize an object, the camera finds matches between the reference and frame images. 
  • Step 3: The object is recognized through an identifiable constellation of points, then the digital model is placed accordingly. Learners can then interact with and manipulate the 3D digital object. 

This is the third installment of Exploring The 3 AR Technologies. Part 3 of this series focuses on AR Object Recognition, explains how the technology works, and provides two examples of its use in training.

AR object recognition is one of three AR technologies that augments the real world by scanning a real-life 3D model and attaching a digital object to it. After doing so, learners receive effective training by exploring and manipulating the 3D object. 

Let’s uncover all there is to know about AR object recognition!

What Is AR Object Recognition?

AR object recognition, also known as object detection, attaches a digital 3D model to a real-world object that learners can pick up and manipulate. Learners scan the real-world 3D object, then a simulated 3D model is attached to it.

After the 3D model is attached to the real-world object, learners can pick up the object, take it apart, explore its parts, and reassemble it. This type of technology helps organizations meet their training and learning goals in a safe, experiential learning environment.

Pros And Cons Of AR Object Recognition

AR object recognition builds rich and interactive experiences with 3D objects, but also has its limits. AR object recognition comes with the following pros and cons.

Pros:

  • Allows Hands-On Learning — With AR object recognition, users can be hands-on with their learning. This allows learners to actively participate in their learning, which yields higher retention rates and confidence when tackling workplace challenges. 
  • Cost-effective — AR technology is typically cheaper than virtual reality (VR), especially if the organization already has the necessary equipment for the AR training, like tablets or phones. 

Cons:

  • May need occasional software and hardware updates — As with any AR program, updates in both software and hardware may be required. This may disrupt the learning process, but an extended reality system (XRS) can help push software updates from anywhere at any time. 
  • Lacks soft-skills learning — AR isn’t the best soft-skills teacher and is more beneficial for learning technical skills and processes. Soft-skills training is better taught under a different modality, like VR. 

How Does AR Object Recognition Technology Work?

You may be wondering how AR object recognition software attaches a digital 3D object to a real-world object. To simplify, this process is completed in three steps.

  • Step 1: The app generates an image of the object using the camera from a phone or tablet. The app stores feature descriptors that help identify the reference image.  
  • Step 2: AR software recognizes the object within the real-world environment through feature points. To recognize an object, the camera finds matches between the reference and frame images. 
  • Step 3: The object is recognized through an identifiable constellation of points, then the digital model is placed accordingly. Learners can then interact with and manipulate the 3D digital object.

Users can use different software, like Vuforia or Unity, to scan objects, load targets, and place digital objects into the real-world with AR object recognition. 

Read More: Object Recognition in Augmented Reality

2 Examples Of AR Object Recognition In Action

Technical Skills Training on an AC Compressor

An auto mechanic can use AR object recognition to learn how to repair a car’s AC compressor. By scanning a real-world AC compressor, the mechanic-in-training can attach a digital 3D model compressor to it and safely disassemble and reassemble it. 

With the 3D model, the learner is able to touch the model on their screen, interact with it, explore its parts, and fix common problems. This is an effective way to train learners in technical processes on one definable process. 

Equipment Training on an Office Phone

With AR object recognition, an onboarded employee can learn how to operate their desk phone. Learners do so via a tablet that scans their real-world desk phone. Once scanned, the tablet places digital elements over the phone, including:

  • Arrows that point to different buttons and explain their use
  • Digital text boxes that contain information about steps needed to complete various tasks, like joining a conference call, setting up their voicemail, making a call, etc.

This training is useful for demonstrating how to use an office phone through digital elements. In this example, AR object recognition is used to train onboarded employees on their desk equipment and transforms the onboarding process into a fascinating digital experience. 

Augment Your Existing Training With AR Object Recognition!

We’ve covered all there is to know about AR object recognition, from its definition and pros and cons, to its technical processing and examples in training. 
If you’re ready to augment your existing training program and embrace all that AR has to offer, we encourage you to check out more resources on all things AR or get started by consulting our expert team.

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