Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that has become increasingly popular in recent years, but its roots can be traced back to decades ago. With the continuous advancement of technology, the possibilities for AR continue to grow, making it an integral part of our daily lives. In this article, we will explore the history of augmented reality, its milestones, and its practical applications.

The term “augmented reality” was first coined in 1990 by computer scientist Tom Caudell, while working at Boeing. He used it to describe the use of a head-mounted digital display to help workers visualize and assemble wires in aircraft assemblies. This initial use of AR set the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking technology.

In 1992, Louis Rosenberg created the first working AR system, called Virtual Fixtures. It utilized a head-mounted display and sensors to project relevant data onto a worker’s view while doing delicate tasks. This marked the first time AR was used for both informational and visual purposes.

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw an influx of research and development in the field of augmented reality. In 1998, the first AR toolkit, ARToolKit, was created by Hirokazu Kato. This open-source software allowed developers to create their own AR applications, sparking further interest and innovation in the field.

In 2009, AR took a huge leap forward with the release of the first AR mobile app, “Wikitude.” This app allowed users to access information about their surroundings by simply pointing their phone’s camera at a specific location. This marked a significant shift towards making AR accessible to the everyday person.

The launch of Google Glass in 2013 further intensified the mainstream interest in AR. This wearable technology displayed information directly in front of the user’s eyes, making it hands-free and more convenient to use. However, it faced some backlash due to privacy concerns and was not as successful as expected.

In 2016, AR made its way into popular culture with the release of the viral mobile game “Pokémon Go.” The game used AR to merge the real world with the virtual world, allowing players to catch Pokémon in their surroundings. It was a massive success and exposed millions of people to the potential of AR technology.

Today, AR has found its way into various industries, including education, healthcare, entertainment, and marketing. In education, AR is being used to enhance traditional learning methods, creating a more interactive and engaging experience for students. In healthcare, AR is being utilized for surgical procedures, medical training, and rehabilitation. In the entertainment industry, AR is being used in movies, TV shows, and concerts to create a more immersive and captivating experience for audiences. In marketing, AR is being used to create interactive advertisements and promote products and services.

AR has also made its way into our daily lives through mobile apps, such as Snapchat and Instagram filters, that allow us to change our appearance or add virtual objects to our surroundings. AR is also used in navigation apps, showing us relevant information about our surroundings, such as restaurants, shops, and historical landmarks.

The potential applications of AR are endless, and we have only scratched the surface of what it can do. With the continuous development of new technologies, AR will only become more advanced and integrated into our daily lives.

In conclusion, the history of augmented reality is a fascinating one, with its roots dating back to the 1990s. From its humble beginnings of helping aircraft workers to its current widespread use in various industries, AR has come a long way. Its future looks even more promising, as it continues to break boundaries and enhance our perception of the world around us. With AR, the possibilities are truly limitless.