Here's a fact that will surprise no one. As extended reality (XR) specialists, we're completely obsessed with this transformative tech and its incredible industrial potential.

XR is on our minds all day, every day. So it's easy to forget it's a tricky world for newcomers to navigate.

Most of us have heard of virtual reality, sure. But what about assisted reality? And augmented reality? Unless you've seen these devices in action, it can be difficult to conceptualise how they work – and even harder to imagine how they might be used within your business.

Scratch your head no more. We've put together a quick guide to help you understand XR technology and choose the right device for the job.

Take four minutes to read through, and we'll take you from novice to know-it-all – guaranteed.

Stopwatch ready? Let's go.

Assisted reality devices

What are they?

Assisted reality (aR) devices are powerful, portable computers you can wear. Form factors vary, but they typically look like souped-up prescription specs or narrow bands that are worn around the head. Comfort and lightness are key – these devices are as far from those chunky 90s VR headsets as you can get.

Each comes equipped with a front-facing camera, so the wearer can stream "see-what-I-see" video footage to colleagues and collaborators. A miniature screen is positioned just in front of the wearer's eye, which – thanks to its proximity – looks to them like a large-ish tablet display.

What are they used for?

If you've ever used a high-end smartphone, you're on the way to understanding what aR devices can do. Indeed, some aR headsets run the Android operating system – or a variant of it.

Yes, that's the same Android operating system that powers more than 70% of mobile devices worldwide.

Then why not strap a phone to your head and call it a day? Well, the genius of aR devices is in their form factor and user interface. Unlike most mobile tech, they allow for 100% hands-free operation. Instead of swiping or tapping, you simply speak commands like "show help" or "navigate home".

This means users can access all sorts of useful features while they work on the frontline – without any of the comfort or safety concerns that arise with traditional mobile devices.

Essentially, you're giving frontline staff the kind of tools that are usually reserved for office workers. Just imagine what this could do for collaboration, problem solving and productivity.

Here are just a few ways our aR technology is transforming frontline work:

•   Remote support: users dial into remote experts, who deliver step-by-step guidance aided by first-person video and advanced collaboration tools.

•   Frontline error reduction: with vital repair schematics and documentation readily available, your frontline staff are equipped to get things right, first time.

•   Health and safety inspections: EHS specialists can conduct more inspections more quickly, by dialling into headsets worn by workers on site.

What are their strengths?

One of the biggest boons of aR devices is that they're built for industrial use, from the ground up.

You can expect the hardware to be tough yet lightweight, and to be comfortable to wear for long periods. This makes them ideal for challenging environments like construction sites, oil rigs and factories.

Safety is another key benefit. Unlike virtual reality, which promises to transport users to immersive worlds, assisted reality actively avoids immersion.

They have screens, sure. But these screens are designed to only be available when the wearer needs them to be. At all other times, users maintain complete situational awareness.

What are their weaknesses?

If you're interested in XR because you want to craft realistic, immersive experiences, then aR devices won't cut the mustard.

aR smart glasses and headsets are business-focused, through and through. They're designed to improve collaboration, boost productivity and cut costs. They're not designed to display lifelike 3D models or transform our perception of reality.

Augmented reality devices

What are they?

Augmented reality (AR) can be seen as the "missing link" between assisted and virtual reality. While virtual reality delivers total immersion, and assisted reality shoots for minimal immersion, AR aims straight down the middle.

AR devices can conjure up gaming-quality graphics that appear to co-exist with real-world environments. For example, you could hold a remote conference where attendees appear as 3D avatars in your very real office.

Size-wise, they're – again – somewhere between VR and aR. They tend to be less bulky than VR headsets, but a little larger than your average aR device. (Although some devices, like the Magic Leap 1, are impressively diminutive.)

What are they used for?

How vivid is your imagination?

Seriously, AR devices have almost limitless potential. Forgive the cliché, but if you can dream it, you can do it.

Of course, we're most interested in their business use cases. So let's zoom in on a few common enterprise applications:

•   Training: AR is transforming training delivery in healthcare, energy and other high-risk industries. The technology can deliver detailed training scenarios with no risk and little cost. 

•   Contextual support: equipped with an AR device, workers can view essential schematics and industrial internet of things data, conveniently overlaid on top of relevant machinery.

•   Concept development: AR empowers global teams to collaborate on product and project development – for example, by interacting with CAD models in real space, or viewing 3D maps of a planned building site.

What are their strengths?

It all comes down to that killer feature: the ability to mix elements of the real and the virtual.

Without getting bogged down in technical details, AR headsets are just as impressive in their capabilities as VR devices. But unlike VR, which dominates its wearer's field of view, AR allows users to maintain a good level of situational awareness.

This makes them much more suited to business or educational applications. With AR headsets, the wearer can collaborate with colleagues in real-world spaces or respond to verbal interruptions from their tutor. This just wouldn't be practical with a VR headset.

What are their weaknesses?

AR devices can do many of the same things as assisted reality devices. For instance, you can conduct video calls with remote experts and access contextual data in the field.

Very cool. But if this kind of frontline assistance is all you need, you might be better off with an aR (little "a") device instead.

With all their 3D graphics capabilities and clever sensors, using AR in this way is a little like cracking a walnut with an asteroid.

Besides, aR headsets are typically better equipped for the frontline. The best AR devices are strong, no doubt about it. But industry aR headsets are really rugged, making them ideal for daily use in challenging environments.

Want to explore further?

Now that you're familiar with our technologies and their industrial applications, perhaps you'd like to learn more?

Here are a few useful links to get you started:

Discover more XR use cases

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