Ford's AR Tech Revolution

+ Walmart: Shopping Experience with AR

March 15, 2024

Read time: under 5 minutes

Welcome back, AR friends 👋

→ Fact ←

AR Can Be Traced Back to 1968: Ivan Sutherland a computer scientist at Harvard created the first head mounted display in 1968.

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Header image for All the News section featuring the latest updates in augmented reality news.

Augmented reality interface by Ford displaying real-time vehicle weight distribution, enhancing safety and efficiency in automotive applications.

Ford Motor Company is getting into augmented reality (AR), a kind of technology that adds digital images to the real world. They've applied for a patent, according to Ford Authority, for a new tool that uses AR to show how much weight a vehicle is carrying. This patent was submitted on June 27th, 2022, and made public on March 5th, 2024. It's designed to make it safer and easier to tow or carry heavy loads by showing the weight distribution in real-time on a screen.

This AR tool works by using cameras on the vehicle to create a digital map that shows where the heavy loads are inside the vehicle. This helps drivers manage the weight better and drive more safely.

Additionally, Ford's exploration into AR extends to various applications, including AR visualizations within vehicles, leveraging HoloLens 2 for in-car XR (extended reality) experiences, an AR remote park assist feature, an anti-sun glare system, and a multi-plane image-generating system.

Graphic representation of Walmart's AR hair color try-on feature within their mobile app, offering a virtual makeover with different hair dyes.

Walmart has introduced a virtual hair color try-on feature within its iOS app, broadening its use of augmented reality (AR) technology to improve the beauty product shopping experience. This new feature supports virtual trials for hair color products from brands like Revlon and Schwarzkopf, aiming to make better purchasing decisions and reduce returns.

This development is part of Walmart's ongoing strategy to integrate AR into its customer service offerings, following the introduction of AR-enhanced eyewear shopping and virtual makeup try-ons. These initiatives, developed in partnership with Perfect Corp., underscore Walmart's commitment to leveraging technology to improve the shopping experience without compromising customer privacy.

Moreover, Walmart's acquisition of virtual fitting room startup Zeekit and AR optical technology company Memomi reflects its broader ambition to integrate AR across different product categories, including clothing and eyewear. The retailer also offers a "View in Your Home" feature for furniture and home décor, and plans to launch an AR-based in-store feature for personalized shelf filtering.

Futuristic visualization of Samsung's microOLED display technology for VR and AR applications, poised to enter the market by 2027-2028.

Samsung plans to introduce microOLED display technology for Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications, targeting a launch in 2027 or 2028. This technology aims to rival Apple's Vision Pro microOLED displays, known for their high-quality immersive visuals. Samsung Display CEO, Choi Joo-sun, highlighted the company's intention to invest in research and development over the next few years to prepare for the commercial viability of microOLEDs in the AR and VR market.

Apple's Vision Pro, equipped with microOLED technology, offers an example of the potential for such displays, delivering unparalleled clarity and immersive experiences. However, the current market for microOLED panels is limited, with Apple sourcing its panels from Sony at a significant cost, reflecting the high price of the Vision Pro headset.

Samsung's announcement indicates a strategic move to expand its display technology portfolio into the emerging VR and AR markets. The company's existing expertise in OLED technology for smartphones positions it well for this expansion. While alternative suppliers like SeeYa and BOE are being considered by Apple for future models, Samsung's entry into the microOLED market might change the competitive landscape.

Section header for 'AR for Work' highlighting the use of augmented reality in professional environments.

Professionals engaging with augmented reality interfaces for enhanced collaboration and data analysis in a contemporary office setting.

The strategic use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) is increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in employer branding and talent acquisition. These technologies offer immersive experiences that set companies apart as innovative and inclusive employers.

Key Applications:

  • VR Office Tours: Provide transparent insights into company culture and workspace, as seen with Accenture's immersive tours.

  • AR Job Previews: Allow candidates to visualize roles and responsibilities, enhancing job fit and engagement.

  • VR Onboarding: Facilitates efficient integration of new hires through realistic simulations.

  • Gamified Skill Assessments: Engage candidates in skill evaluation using VR and AR, offering a unique assessment experience.

  • Remote Collaboration: VR aids in building team cohesion remotely, supporting modern work practices.

  • Diversity Training: Utilizes VR and AR for experiential learning on diversity and inclusion. 

Conclusion:

Employing VR and AR in recruitment processes significantly impacts employer branding, aligning companies with innovation and inclusivity, thereby attracting top talent in a competitive landscape.

Section header for 'Funding, Acquisition & Market' focusing on financial aspects of the augmented reality industry.

Business handshake with digital financial growth symbols, representing successful funding, acquisitions, and market strength in the corporate sector.

  • SynergyXR, a Denmark-based company offering a no-code XR platform for enterprises, has secured €2M in funding to facilitate industrial XR transformation across Europe and the US. The investment, led by Finnish VC firm Kvanted, supports the integration of extended reality technologies to enhance operational efficiency and safety. SynergyXR aims to expand its presence and empower industries with innovative XR solutions without requiring technical expertise.

  • The Metaverse market is projected to reach USD 2,346.2 billion by 2032, driven by advancements in VR, AR, and MR technologies, and a growing demand for immersive experiences. This expansion reflects a broader trend of digital transformation, offering significant opportunities for innovation across various industries, including gaming, entertainment, education, and e-commerce.

Section header for 'Chart' presenting data on augmented reality trends and statistics.

The general trend shows a clear and steady growth in user numbers in the area of mobile AR devices. This could indicate an increasing acceptance and spread of AR technologies.

Section header for 'Other Stuff' featuring diverse topics related to augmented reality.

Section header for 'This is the End' concluding our augmented reality news coverage.

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