THE KNOW-HOW OF AR: PART 3/5

Challenges faced by AR

Understanding the various challenges faced while developing Augmented Reality

S Sharanya Bharghavi
3 min readMar 25, 2023

Augmented Reality (AR) technology has enormous potential to transform the way we interact with the world around us, from enhancing entertainment experiences to revolutionizing how we work and learn. However, there are significant challenges that must be overcome in order to fully realize this potential. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the major challenges faced by AR technology.

Let us start by discussing the primary challenges.

1. AR’s technical constraints:

  • Size: To achieve good quality in AR devices, powerful processors are necessary. However, these processors tend to be heavy, making the AR device bulky and inconvenient for everyday use. As a result, AR devices can become cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.
  • Power: Imagine creating images while also keeping track of every object in a room and adjusting the image every time you move your head. This definitely requires a lot a power which has to overcome within the frame of the device if we want AR to reach its full potential.
  • Heat: Augmented Reality technology relies heavily on complex computations, which generate heat. The smaller the AR device, the more challenging it becomes to dissipate the heat. This excess heat can cause the processors to slow down or even fail completely. The limited size and structural requirements of AR headsets make managing this heat even more difficult.

2. Lack of UI metaphors and interface issues:

Unlike computers, which have standardized tools such as QWERTY keyboards and clocks with 12-hour divisions, there is currently no established standard for developing applications for AR. In AR, traditional input methods like hand navigation and mouse controls are not sufficient, and new ways of interaction are necessary. As a result, developing for AR requires experimentation and creativity to design intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that take advantage of the unique capabilities of AR technology.

3. Computer Vision Block

Image Source

Enabling computers to recognize and categorize the vast range of objects on Earth, regardless of lighting conditions or other variables, remains a significant challenge. Despite advances in computer vision technology, we have yet to fully achieve the ability to segment and classify all objects accurately and consistently.

4. Constraints of occlusion and shading

ARCore currently lacks the ability to occlude digital objects when real-world objects block them from view, which can result in digital objects floating in front of physical objects that they should be behind, such as a character appearing in front of a desk instead of behind it. Additionally, ARCore does not yet support casting shadows, which can further reduce the realism and immersion of AR experiences.

In conclusion, while there are certainly challenges facing the development and implementation of AR technology, the potential benefits make it a worthwhile endeavor. By addressing the technical limitations and user experience hurdles, we can unlock new possibilities for entertainment, education, and productivity. As the technology continues to evolve and improve, we can look forward to even more exciting and innovative applications of AR in the years to come.

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