Augmented Reality (AR) is growing rapidly as a transformative technology, specifically in education and training. It is changing the way we build courses and train individuals to get jobs and learn new skills in a variety of industries. AR is immersive, interactive, and equipped with context-rich features. This powerful technology has the potential to enable institutions and organizations to experience a paradigm change in the training landscape by providing highly realistic simulations and personalized learning experiences. AR is on its way to making significant advances, which will have a further impact on training approaches and procedures.
AR primarily provides immersive and engaging experiences by overlaying digitally created information onto the reality that surrounds us as we see it through the lens of our devices. It could be a smartphone, tablet, or a particularly designed wearable device. The upgrades, simulations, and additional information allow learners to build a rapid understanding of materials for learning while also achieving outstanding retention of that knowledge. Students get a better comprehension of complicated subjects through AR-powered learning interactions. The AR application also gives real-time feedback, assistance, and suggestions for improvement to help you reach your learning objectives. The benefit of instant feedback ensures that weaknesses are identified quickly and encourages learners to fix them in real-time. This approach speeds up the acquisition of skills compared to conventional learning methods.
The simulated and gamified learning method using AR makes learning more enjoyable. The experience motivates and encourages students to push themselves to obtain badges and awards. The advantage of simulation is that it provides real-world training without affecting anything real in the workplace. Failures have no cost impact, allowing the trainer to reset and resume training. Furthermore, the training could be adjusted to the trainee’s specific needs and pace. AR training does not provide a one-size-fits-all strategy, and each learner is free to choose their own technique. AR also allows learners to receive remote support from anywhere in the world to help them understand and complete a task. This approach uses augmented reality to enhance engagement and make learning an enjoyable experience while also saving time and money.
The global corporate training market is expected to be USD 145 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 9.57% to USD 251 billion by 2028. The workplace training industry helps businesses teach and upskill people with the skills they need to achieve their corporate goals. Effective high-quality training contributes to improved performance, enhanced production, and higher staff retention rates. Augmented reality, with all of its inherent advantages, is ready to change this industry.
The manufacturing business relies heavily on the employee’s training and development. Inadequate and poor training incurs costs such as unforeseen occurrences, injuries, customer quality complaints, and unit downtime, resulting in revenue losses of several million dollars. Human error is the major source of this, and appropriate training is the most recommended solution to avoid it. However, training is a difficult task in the manufacturing industry since it requires a significant amount of time and highly skilled resources to acquire the competencies required to deliver safe and efficient operations.
Many new hires in the industry are well-qualified but lack the necessary skills. Such skills are not taught in colleges or universities anywhere in the world but must be obtained through on the job training. Take the refining and petrochemical industries, where it takes more than six months of training and evaluations to verify that a trainee can operate independently. This process is accelerated by AR since technology aids in the understanding of concepts, work processes, protocols, work procedures, and so on in a more effective and time-efficient manner. This sort of training produces outcomes without interfering with the plant’s day-to-day operations or the safety of its personnel.
Augmented reality is also used to provide remote training and support. Wearables featuring a camera, display, and fast connectivity are worn by technicians, operators, and engineers and provide expert guidance directly to the user while he or she performs the task. It is like having a guide at your side who sees the same things you do and helps you deliver the expected outcomes. This type of remote support not only instructs personnel, but also helps them build the necessary skills and competencies. AR allows for remote training with a subject matter expert, which was previously unthinkable but is now achievable thanks to technological and communication advancements.
AR applications are also widely used in medical training. Surgical expertise is gained through hands-on training under the supervision of experienced surgeons. The stakes are high in surgical scenarios, emphasizing the need to carry out surgical procedures with great precision and zero error to ensure successful patient results. AR training courses were intended to help new residents and surgeons gain confidence and competence. These courses focus on a solid foundation in the fundamentals required and include simulation exercises that allow doctors to understand the finer aspects of the operation and maximize their skills with enough experience. These simulations on digital models provide much-needed confidence while also identifying the possibility of human error when operating on a real patient.
AR-powered devices, such as AR goggles, provide additional support during surgery. The surgeon wears these goggles, which overlay the critical steps from the simulation on the real patient. The tool leads the surgeon through each step and prevents errors by providing voice-over directions and reminders to stay in the plan of action. This on-the-job training is extremely beneficial in preventing errors and restoring patients to excellent health rapidly. Doctors who have completed these surgical training courses will be able to perform procedures with the utmost confidence and ability. The Cleveland Clinic at Case Western Reserve University, for example, teaches students about human anatomy via AR 3D human models. This has reduced the need for and usage of human cadavers in the study of human anatomy. This results in cost savings and allows for several sessions of practice at no additional cost.
AR-enabled training courses require developers who have gone through AR training. As the demand for AR apps grows, there is a consistent need to produce highly competent augmented reality developers through cutting-edge AR development and certification courses. Finding an appropriate augmented reality training course is not difficult if you know where to look for it. Because the demand for AR VR engineers is huge for courses that may not be effectively structured or supported by qualified faculty members. Fusion VR, a company that has executed multiple AR VR projects both locally and internationally, has collaborated with ARK Info Solutions to create the Industry Academic Alliance Program (IAAP), which trains and equips today’s engineers and professionals with the skills required by industry. This awareness exists as a result of Fusion VR’s extensive experience in designing AR VR courses to offer the skills that the industry requires for developing AR VR apps. This also helps them get a job in a reputable organization quickly after graduation. I encourage you to look over our website if you are interested in becoming a trainer or a learner. Please contact us and share your feedback.