Augmented reality (AR) training is growing more versatile than ever before as its reach expands in the world of corporate training solutions. In recent applications of augmented reality, learners have embraced AR technology with wearable devices like AR glasses, elevating the sophistication and practicality of AR enterprise training. So, how do the capabilities of AR benefit the workforce?
AR effortlessly blends the digital and the real world, enriching our daily experiences. From the added conveniences of previewing furniture arrangements within your home before making a purchase or enhancing visitor experiences at the Smithsonian – the magic of AR seamlessly intertwines digital objects with reality. Ideal for self-paced learning, augmented reality is excellent for active learning while on the job
Augmented Reality Training
While other forms of XR training, like virtual reality, simulate an environment and offer a safe space to make mistakes, AR allows learners to interact with the real world and access new information while performing assigned tasks in real-time. Whether it’s technicians using AR to study a new engine, or cashiers practicing specific transactions on a POS (point-of-sale) system – augmented reality allows employees to learn by doing and build the expertise they need. PWC reports that at least 34% of companies plan to invest in AR this year, signaling the growing implementation of augmented reality training solutions. Let’s review what’s happening in the world of AR.
5 Examples of AR Training
1. Sales and Retail Training with AR
Augmented reality transforms sales and real training with experiential learning scenarios that build confidence and familiarity. AR can be utilized for product knowledge gaps, product visualization, and customer service training. By providing in-depth product knowledge through interactive digital elements, custom augmented reality programs empower employees to acquire knowledge and apply it right away. When designing AR content, it’s important to prioritize real-world applications
For a massive amusement park that needed to onboard 40,000 seasonal employees, custom AR training allowed employees to familiarize themselves with an exact replica of their POS system by accessing training content on tablets. With company registers valued at $3,000 each, AR replaced equipment as a cost-effective, scalable, and portable training solution. The augmented reality training allowed new employees to master customer service and transaction processes.
2. Equipment Assessment with AR
When training to work with high-risk machinery or expensive equipment, AR training allows learners to practice safely and experiment with digital replicas of equipment. This approach not only helps organizations mitigate the dangers associated with hands-on training but also helps foster a deeper understanding of operational procedures.
Who can afford to risk their most valuable equipment for training? AR is a scalable extended reality solution that helps businesses maintain essential resources while supporting employee performance. Businesses can deploy AR as an immersive learning solution across their company to streamline equipment training without jeopardizing safety. Just take a look at this dynamic digital replica of an engine that helps learners troubleshoot various scenarios in a safe and repeatable training environment.
3. Just-In-Time Performance Support with AR
AR is being utilized as a performance tool in various ways. AR provides information while employees work through a task. Just-in-time training support makes information accessible as employees work on equipment. AR enhances this support with interactive elements. For example, technicians can view and overlay of digital equipment through smart devices and receive step-by-step instructions while working on complex machinery.
As an effective job aid, augmented reality programs support performance goals and improve job satisfaction. By utilizing existing company smart devices, AR programs help centralize existing materials into one information-rich resource, giving employees the gift of learning during the flow of work.
4. Onboarding with AR
AR isn’t just a tool for learning; it’s a gateway to independence, proficiency, and savings. AR onboarding programs provide hands-on learning that helps learners step into their roles on the right foot. Imagine bidding farewell to the old, worn-out tradition of assigning a seasoned team member to train newcomers. AR ushers in a new era of comprehensive training solutions that empower learners to take charge of their learning journey.
From day one, learners are equipped with the tools they need to navigate the intricacies of their roles independently. Whether it’s through a tablet, smartphone, or AR glasses, a wealth of knowledge awaits at their fingertips. No more fumbling through manuals or relying on the guidance of others; AR training programs are packed with everything learners need to tackle any challenge with confidence.
Need to find your way around the warehouse? AR offers guided directions, ensuring learners never lose their bearings. Storing products? Simply scan barcodes to ensure accuracy, all guided by intuitive instructions. When faced with new tasks, AR can reveal overlayed step-by-step guidance, leaving no room for uncertainty. AR ‘easter eggs’ can be placed within real-world environments containing detailed instructions to ensure learners execute tasks flawlessly. It’s a seamless blend of reality and technology, redefining the training landscape and empowering learners to excel from day one.
5. Driving with AR
Guided learning finds its perfect ally in the realm of AR glasses. Learners can seamlessly test their knowledge while maneuvering power industrial trucks (PIT) and other machinery, all thanks to the integration of AR technology. By overlaying dynamic obstacle courses onto real-world warehouse floors, even while in motion, AR enhances the training experience like never before.
This innovative approach doesn’t just stop at enhancing safety and efficiency; it goes a step further. Detailed data on learner performance is seamlessly captured, all without compromising the safety of your environment. Real-time feedback and analytics flow effortlessly to trainers, providing invaluable insights into employee performance.
What makes AR training truly remarkable is the seamless fusion of software and hardware, underscoring the immense potential of mixed reality for learning purposes. It’s a testament to how innovation can reshape industry standards, paving the way for a future where learning and performance optimization go hand in hand.
Trending In AR News
AR glasses represent an innovative step towards practical skill application in real-time. Just as traditional AR programs overlay digital images onto the real world, AR glasses are making augmented reality content more immersive and learning more intuitive. With hand and eye tracking and image recognition, Magic Leap 2 has one of the highest computing performance capabilities for a standalone XR device
Featherweight and arguably the most aesthetic XR wearable device, AR glasses are ushering in a new era of augmented reality application in enterprise spaces, especially in industries like manufacturing where skilled labor gaps are a growing concern. From an operational standpoint, AR glasses will enrich the workplace through performance support. With hands completely freed from devices, wearable AR devices showcase unique capabilities for higher precision and productivity.
Referred to as XR’s training wheels, AR glasses are predicted to forge the mass market of extended reality products. AR glasses are creating the foundation for wearable devices, starting at the intersection of accessibility and innovation. AR is more intuitive than VR in certain cases due to its ability to keep environments visible while focusing on digital objects. AR glasses serve as a testament to the innovation in AR training, seamlessly integrating with traditional training programs to unlock fresh possibilities.
Augmented Reality In 2024
AR is the go-to tool for interactive learning experiences that cultivate meaningful engagement.
Perfect for step-by-step processes and job aids, AR adds a layer of digital workforce support for continuous learning and skill refinement. AR training also safeguards valuable resources while elevating productivity with efficient workflow learning.
Want to try augmented reality for yourself? Immersive learning demos allow key players from your organization to witness how AR enhances training environments with digital elements that drive experiential learning.
