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Augmented reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information, such as images, videos, or data, onto the real world in real-time. It enhances the user's perception of reality by integrating virtual elements into their physical environment. AR has a wide range of applications, from gaming and entertainment to education, healthcare, and industry. The development of AR has been marked by significant milestones and innovations over the years, leading to its current state as a transformative technology.

Creation Time:2024-06-18 16 key nodes English

The Timeline

1968 — 2023

  1. 1968

    The First AR System

    Ivan Sutherland, often referred to as the father of computer graphics, created the first AR system, known as the "Sword of Damocles." This head-mounted display system laid the groundwork for future AR development.
  2. 1990

    The Term "Augmented Reality" Coined

    The term "Augmented Reality" was coined by Tom Caudell, a researcher at Boeing, to describe how the technology was used to help workers assemble aircraft wiring harnesses.
  3. 1992

    Virtual Fixtures by Louis Rosenberg

    Louis Rosenberg developed one of the first fully functional AR systems at the U.S. Air Force's Armstrong Laboratory, known as "Virtual Fixtures." This system was used to enhance human performance in complex tasks.
  4. 1998

    AR in Sports Broadcasting

    The first significant use of AR in sports broadcasting was seen when the NFL used the "1st & Ten" system by Sportvision to display the virtual yellow first down line during live football games.
  5. 2000

    ARQuake

    ARQuake, an AR version of the popular first-person shooter game Quake, was developed by Bruce H. Thomas and his team, showcasing AR's potential in gaming.
  6. 2008

    Wikitude AR Travel Guide

    Wikitude launched the first AR travel guide for mobile phones, allowing users to view information about their surroundings through their phone's camera.
  7. 2009

    ARToolkit for Flash

    The ARToolkit, originally developed by Hirokazu Kato, was ported to Adobe Flash, making AR more accessible to web developers and leading to a surge in web-based AR applications.
  8. 2012

    Google Glass Announcement

    Google announced Google Glass, an AR head-mounted display designed to provide hands-free access to information, marking a significant step towards consumer AR devices.
  9. 2013

    Microsoft HoloLens Development

    Microsoft began developing HoloLens, an AR headset that overlays digital content onto the real world, aimed at both consumer and enterprise markets.
  10. 2014

    Magic Leap Funding

    Magic Leap, a startup focused on AR technology, received significant funding from high-profile investors, drawing attention to the potential of AR in transforming various industries.
  11. 2015

    Microsoft HoloLens Unveiled

    Microsoft unveiled the HoloLens, showcasing its capabilities in enhancing productivity, gaming, and education through AR.
  12. 2016

    Pokémon GO Release

    Niantic released Pokémon GO, a mobile AR game that became a global phenomenon, demonstrating the mass appeal and potential of AR in gaming.
  13. 2017

    ARKit and ARCore Launch

    Apple and Google launched ARKit and ARCore, respectively, providing developers with tools to create AR applications for iOS and Android devices, significantly advancing mobile AR.
  14. 2018

    Magic Leap One Release

    Magic Leap released its first AR headset, the Magic Leap One, aimed at developers and early adopters, pushing the boundaries of AR hardware and applications.
  15. 2020

    AR in Remote Assistance

    The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of AR for remote assistance, with companies using AR to provide remote support and training in various industries.
  16. 2023

    Apple Vision Pro Announcement

    Apple announced the Vision Pro, a high-end AR headset aimed at consumers and professionals, integrating advanced AR features and further solidifying AR's role in the tech ecosystem.

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