AI in Augmented Reality Development: Trends and Best App Examples

Augmented reality involves the placement of digital elements into “real-life” events. Artificial intelligence, otherwise known as AI, powers these live or recorded virtual experiences.

AI in augmented reality also enables audiences to interact in simulated, virtual reality (VR) worlds. Gaming, film and TV industries use AI in their productions, but AI also fuels training tutorials and enhances customer service experiences.

Augmented Reality Development AI App Trends

In 2022 and beyond, augmented reality apps incorporate features such as AI text recognition, voice activation, object detection, motion tracking and location mapping. Learn more about how these AI functions in augmented reality apps apply to the following examples.

Virtual Chatbot Assistants (Text Recognition, Voice Activation)

AI virtual assistants provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and this typically involves a type of text recognition called “natural language processing.” If it’s a phone call, voice activation may occur. Either way, these AI chatbots answer frequently asked questions processing natural speech when no human customer service representative can be found.

Chatbots provide both sales help and technical support as programmed by augmented reality app developers. Zendesk, a popular help software, has begun to now incorporate CBOT into their help management software, for instance. You’ll probably continue to see virtual chatbot assistants on augmented reality websites that may include 3D, AI-powered, AR demos.

AI Voiceovers (Text Recognition)

As of 2022, AI voiceovers have a higher quality sound than, for instance, the built-in voices that used to come with earlier computer software versions up until about 2015. Therefore, you don’t have to contend with the time-consuming process of seeking the right voice talent and having to worry about them being available for hire when you need them.

These AI voiceovers you create could even appear in an augmented reality mobile app designed for use in the Metaverse or in one of the other countless VR role-playing worlds out there. Amazon and Google do have some natural-sounding voices. You can also seek out lesser-known third-party AI voice applications, such as Play.ht or Typecast that typically use text recognition via natural language processing to create spoken words.

Humanlike Characters (Text Recognition, Voice Activation, Motion Capture)

Humanlike characters work hand-in-hand with high-quality AI voices. They run using lip-sync technology, and more types of lip-syncing can now happen using a mobile device. Cloud-based services (SAAS) also provide lip-syncing for all your “humanoid” characters used in your video productions and virtual assistant sessions.

AI applications in AR also make use of humanlike characters for a more “immersive” experience when gaming, trying on clothes or seeking answers on a website. Reallusion Character Creator, Maya and other popular 3D software provide ways to create unique humans for public use. AI humans speak using text recognition or voice activation, and their actions often apply motion capture techniques.

AR Scanner (Object Detection, Location Mapping)

AR scanning is one of the latest augmented reality app development services offered in 2022 and beyond. Home improvement companies often use this now. It allows people to take a picture of a piece of home furniture or decorative accessory that may have a QR code on it.

Users can insert this photo into a home design app to see how that piece of furnishing would look in a room display. AR scanners also allow for people to scan and save information about products or services while out shopping. These scanners utilize AI object detection and location mapping powered by GPS.

Live Puppeteering (“Mocap”)

If you feel self-conscious about having your face on camera, you can now use one of a multitude of live puppeteering functions to present as a character in front of an audience. Combined with voice-changing software, you can become someone else, and it’s not just for the gaming industry anymore. You can plan live social media events in character instead of as yourself using live motion capture, also known as “live mocap.”

Both mobile and computer AR apps allow you to do this, and you don’t always need to have external virtual reality glasses or other equipment. Rokoko or Faceware include some examples. Some solutions work on iOS and Android devices or gaming consoles and computers.

Smart Home Technology (Object Detection, Voice Recognition)

Smart home technology includes AI object and voice recognition features, such as appliances powered by Alexa or Google Assistant. However, augmented reality app services sometimes extend beyond that. For instance, you can now scan your home in 3D and even use CCTV surveillance technology to keep an eye on your place when you’re gone.

If you think you left your lights or your oven and coffee pot on, for instance, you can use the scans you made of your place to check without returning home. This would work for business and personal use. Smart AR home is probably one of the best examples of this, but you’ll find others.

AR and VR Live Streaming (motion capture, object detection, voice recognition)

Virtual live-streaming technology combined with live motion capture allows you to provide AR or VR experiences to your audiences. Your virtual events will feel more real, whereas you can collaborate with participants without seeing them in person. Oculus, OBS or Streamlabs are some providers now experimenting with AR or VR live-streaming, and these may use a multitude of tools including motion capture and object detection along with voice recognition.

Interactive Education (motion capture, object recognition, location mapping, voice recognition)

The best example of interactive education is how medical students learn about human anatomy using virtual reality software. Various forms of medical education could even be taught at the elementary or high school levels, not just college.

Classes, such as geography or history, often make use of AR or VR solutions to enhance the student’s experience of feeling like they’re present at an event or a place. Interactive software will use motion capture to sense your movements, and this may include object recognition, location mapping and voice recognition.

Full-length Movies

Now, full-length movies are being made using AR and VR technology with AI voices. It’s even possible to produce them without requiring on-location filming or hiring human actors. Much of these involve a variety of AI in augmented reality features, including text, voice and object recognition along with location mapping powered by GPS.

Following augmented reality development trends provide insight into how AI in augmented reality works. This more than likely will involve unique AR app branding for business, health and educational entities. In the process, human interaction within a 3D world will become to feel more “real.”