IKEA’s AR experiments

AR works by creating computer generated perceptual information that interacts with real world environments. 

IKEA, the world’s biggest furniture company is experimenting with the technology through it’s research company, Space 10. They are creating a series of AR experiments to see how it could help people see the space in their homes in a new way. It is being combined with other new technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence to create clever, sustainable ways to live in the future. 

One of the applications they are working on lets you see what a worn or damaged piece of furniture would look like if upcycled. It could point the end users to tutorials on how to repair the item and send you to a page to order any parts required. 

Their experimenting with technology which lets users see what rooms would be like at different times of day with a new lamp. You could experiment with a range of lamps to see which one gives you the desired lighting effect. 

They are also looking at more out of the box uses for the technology. One of the prototypes measure spaces in homes using inflatable elephants. This forces you to think about the space available in your home. 

As they are still in the prototype phase, we may end up seeing some changes in these ideas before they come to market. As Ikea can see companies like Apple working on AR Smart glasses, they believe AR is going to play an increasing role in our future.