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of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality
(VR), the future of tomorrow’s workplace is
in the eye of the beholder. These technolo-
gies—the former of which superimposes
computerized data over real-world environ-
ments, the latter of which immerses users
in simulated 3D landscapes—will reshape
business by enabling fi rms to adopt more
innovative approaches to the customer
experience, workforce training, and product
design.
“Potential applications are endless,”
explains Michael Leone, director of com-
mercial AR and VR at Lenovo. “Solutions
such as our ThinkReality platform, a combi-
nation of hardware and software tools that
allow businesses to create custom AR and
VR solutions on demand, are increasingly
off ering a simple way to design options for
any use case.”
For example, a large aircraft manu-
facturer is currently using ThinkReality’s
cloud-based, hardware-agnostic software
platform and computer-enhanced visors
to detect maintenance issues at a glance,
which helps on-site technicians and remote
experts communicate in real time. Likewise,
a well-known biomedical company is lever-
aging Lenovo’s ThinkReality A6 headset—
whose glasses can place digital pop-ups
and videos atop real-world scenes—to use
gesture-based and gaze-driven commands
to control equipment, thereby optimizing
workfl ows and maximizing productivity.
And the future only gets brighter from
there. More forward-thinking hardware and
software solutions are already in develop-
ment, including mix-and-match software
creation tools that let users build original
apps with no programming knowledge.
Upcoming applications, says Leone, will
take advantage of 5G networks to deliver
more sophisticated capabilities and experi-
ences, further catering to the unique needs
of B2B solutions providers (e.g., the world’s
largest telecom companies) and consumer-
focused organizations alike.
“The world’s biggest retailers, brands,
and manufacturers are already using these
technologies to be more productive and
improve workers’ everyday lives,” explains
Kris Kolo, global executive director of the
VR/AR Association. “ Whether encouraging
communications and helping bring people
together more actively, or off ering more
engaging news and entertainment experi-
ences, the future is quickly taking shape.”
And it holds more possibilities than ever
before. ■AR/VR:
A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON BUSINESS
Augmented reality and virtual reality tools provide a sneak
peek at where tomorrow’s marketplace is headed.