ChatGPT in an Interview on the Future of Augmented Reality
A conversation with a language model about AR — in education, retail, medicine and software testing
K.L.: Hello, please introduce yourself briefly.
ChatGPT: Hello, I am ChatGPT, an advanced language model developed by OpenAI. My primary goal is to help people answer their questions and solve problems.
K.L.: I would like to talk to you about augmented reality.
ChatGPT: Of course! I am ready to talk about augmented reality (AR). Augmented reality refers to the technology that embeds virtual elements into the real world in order to create an augmented representation of the environment. This is usually done with the help of special AR devices such as smartphones, tablets, AR glasses or headsets.
K.L.: Where do you see potential uses for AR?
ChatGPT: There are many potential uses for augmented reality (AR), both in everyday situations and in specialised fields.
- Education: AR can enrich learning by offering interactive and immersive (= to immerse, to submerge; enveloping) experiences. For example, AR applications can bring historical events to life, display anatomical models or convey complex concepts in a vivid way.
- Retail: AR can support customers while shopping by allowing them to try on products virtually or visualise them in their own home.
- Medicine: AR can help doctors and surgeons perform medical procedures by providing them with additional information and visualised guidance in real time.
K.L.: Are there already implemented solutions for these fields?
ChatGPT: Yes, there are already many implemented solutions for the various fields in which augmented reality (AR) can be used.
- Education: There are AR applications such as “Anatomy 4D” that allow users to explore the human body in 3D and obtain information about various organs and systems. “AR Flashcards” also offers interactive learning experiences in which virtual content is displayed on printed flashcards.
- Retail: Companies such as IKEA have developed AR applications that let customers place pieces of furniture virtually in their own home and see how they would fit into the room.
- Medicine: In medicine, AR is used, for example, in surgical procedures. Here, with the help of AR glasses or headsets, doctors can have additional information such as CT scans or vital signs displayed in their field of view during the operation.
K.L.: “AR Flashcards” sounds interesting, tell me more about it!
ChatGPT: “AR Flashcards” offers an interactive and visual learning experience for children and allows them to interact with various subject areas through augmented reality. The app uses printed flashcards that are fitted with AR markers. When a child points the camera of their smartphone or tablet at such a card, the app recognises the marker and projects a 3D model or an animation onto the screen. This brings the card to life.
This interactive learning method appeals to visual and kinaesthetic learner types and can increase children’s interest and attention. By combining traditional flashcards with AR technology, “AR Flashcards” offers an innovative and entertaining way of learning.
K.L.: How does augmented reality look in software testing? Are there already fields of application here?
ChatGPT: Yes, augmented reality (AR) is also used in the field of software testing and offers various fields of application.
- Usability testing: AR can be used to test the usability of software applications. By embedding AR elements into the user interface, testers can simulate realistic scenarios and assess the interaction of users with the application.
- Error analysis and debugging: AR can support testers and developers in the error analysis and debugging of software applications. By displaying additional information or visual hints in the AR environment, errors can be recognised and fixed more quickly.
- It is important to note that the use of AR in software testing is still relatively new and is constantly developing further.
K.L.: Are there concrete tools or the like in the field of software testing?
ChatGPT: Yes, there are several tools and frameworks that can be used in the field of software testing, including the testing of AR applications. Here are some of them:
- AR testing frameworks: There are specific AR testing frameworks that offer functions and tools to test AR applications. One example is the AR SDK (software development kit) from Vuforia, which offers functions for creating AR test scenarios and for checking the AR experience.
- Unity Test Tools: Unity, a popular development platform for AR applications, offers various test tools and frameworks that help developers test their AR projects. These include Unity Test Runner and Unity Test Framework, which support the writing and running of automated tests in Unity.
- Test automation tools: General test automation tools such as Appium, Selenium or Robot Framework can also be used to test AR applications. These tools support the automation of test cases, interaction with the AR interface and the verification of AR functions.
K.L.: What could be the reason that augmented reality is not yet so widespread in the field of software testing?
ChatGPT: There are several reasons why augmented reality (AR) may not yet be so widespread in the field of software testing.
- Limited experience and expertise: Since AR in software testing is still comparatively new, many testers may not have sufficient experience or expertise in this area. It takes time, training and practical experience to be able to carry out effective AR tests.
- Lack of standardisation: The field of AR technology is still at a dynamic stage of development, and there may not yet be comprehensive industry standards for AR testing. This can lead to challenges in developing test procedures and protocols, as AR technology continues to develop and new functions and frameworks are introduced.
K.L.: Are there lesser-known companies doing pioneering work in this field?
ChatGPT: There are several companies doing pioneering work in the field of augmented reality (AR), particularly with regard to AR technology and its fields of application.
- Microsoft: With the development of HoloLens, Microsoft has brought one of the best-known AR glasses onto the market. HoloLens allows users to superimpose holographic objects into their physical environment and experience AR. Microsoft is also working on integrating AR into its productivity and enterprise software such as Microsoft Teams and Dynamics 365.
- Facebook: With the “Spark AR” platform, Facebook enables developers to create AR effects and filters for the social media platforms Facebook and Instagram. This allows users to use and share AR elements in their photos and videos.
- Snapchat: Snapchat was one of the pioneers in the field of AR with its Lens function. Users can use AR filters to change their face, add effects and experience interactive AR. Snapchat has also developed Lens Studio, a platform that allows developers to create their own AR lenses.
K.L.: Where is the journey of, or with, augmented reality heading?
ChatGPT: The future of augmented reality (AR) is promising, and there are several exciting developments and trends that could determine the direction of the technology.
- Improved user experience: AR technology is becoming increasingly seamless, intuitive and user-friendly. Advances in the fields of machine learning, computer vision and sensor technology enable more precise recognition and integration of virtual elements into the real environment. This will lead to even more immersive and interactive AR experiences.
- Combination with other technologies: AR is expected to be combined with other emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G connectivity. This will open up new possibilities for personalised AR experiences, context-related information and real-time communication.
- AR in the mainstream: With increasing acceptance and spread of AR technology, it will establish itself more and more in the mainstream. AR will no longer be just a niche application but will be integrated into various aspects of daily life, whether for education, work, entertainment or communication.
K.L.: Thank you for your answers and the nice conversation!
ChatGPT: You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help you and that the conversation was useful for you. If you have further questions or need support in the future, I’m happy to help. Thank you very much and have a great day!
Conclusion
According to the AI, then, AR will have great significance in the future. So far, AR in IT has been seen more as a product than as a support, and perhaps an interesting field of work lies there in the future: how can AR support us in our everyday IT work? Can AR help me write code efficiently? Can AR support me in my manual test session? Or does AR help me optimise our agile process? All possible scenarios — the future will tell!
On the interview itself: I must honestly say I was — not least because of the media hype — somewhat disappointed by the result. I had expected more of substance, less superficial information. But there is probably a good reason for the new professional profile of prompt engineering.
Originally published at SEQIS Blog