Originally invented in 1968, augmented reality (AR) technology started finding application in various industries in the 90’s. By 2000’s, the technology was available in an open-source library known as AR Tool Kit.

By 2009, we had found ways to fuse the technology with print media that led to some truly innovative applications of AR in the advertising World. One of my favorite examples of the same is the 2011 Volkswagen campaign for the Beetle.

From that point, the technology gained momentum and today, it is being used across industries for a variety of innovative purposes.  

One such area where AR technology is doing wonders is corporate training. Boeing has reported a whopping 40% improvement in the productivity levels of their employees after they deployed AR based training.

That’s just one example. However, if that hasn’t convinced you to start thinking of employing the technology for training your employees, these benefits of using AR in employee training definitely would:

Improved Engagement

AR technology, in its simplest form, superimposes digital elements on real-world elements that are displayed on a screen.

This means, using AR technology, training administrators can create an immersive yet risk free training experience for their employees. In other words, AR technology can turn theoretical lessons into practical lessons. As you may already know, learning by practice is one of the most effective ways to learn any new skill.

Affordable And Safe Application

While adding AR tech to your training initiatives may seem like an added expense, it is a misconception. The reality is, most businesses already possess the tools needed to implement augmented reality training. 

With mobile devices featuring in built cameras becoming more common, even in remote cities, you don’t have to invest in new hardware to adapt this technology. Moreover, even most modern learning management systems support AR training snippets.

In fact, AR tech has the potential to actually reduce your training costs. Think about it, with augmented reality training, businesses can provide hands on training to their employees, without facing the risk of any mishaps. Avoiding these mishaps can prove especially cost effective for businesses operating in the manufacturing or construction industry. However, these benefits aren’t limited to these industries.

Tyson Foods, a F&B brand, reported a 20% drop in their reported workplace injuries after implementing AR technology in their safety awareness training.

Real-Time Assistance

Businesses that are ready to invest a little into specialised AR hardware like AR glasses can also improve their training engagement levels by providing their learners with real time assistance as they perform their everyday tasks.

Similarly, another AR related technology called “see-what-I-see” allows experts to deliver real time instructions to trainees when they perform a task. This technology can be used by businesses to guide their new employees with the expertise of their most experienced ones.

Conclusion

With open source AR tools and elearning technology that already supports augmented reality training, businesses have no excuses left to avoid implementing this incredible technology to their training initiatives. 

While this doesn’t mean that there is no work involved in implementing AR training. From updating the training material to communicating the benefits of AR training to employees, implementing AR will be a challenging task. HOwever, the end result, in the form of improved productivity, safer training experience, and more enthusiasm in employees for training, will be well worth the effort that goes into developing an AR training regimen.

What challenges are you facing with implementing AR technology in your corporate training curriculum? Share with us in the comment section.