India is fast paced and tech-lit country with a lot of dominance in software and technology. According to a study, Augmented reality market was USD 161 million in 2024, and would be almost USD 354 million by 2029. There is a huge application of Augmented reality in future in India, as there are incremental scopes.
What are the applications of AR in India?
There are some sectors that records scope of augmented reality in India.
- Retail: A study in India revealed that almost 61% of customers prefer the use of augmented reality for buying decisions. Retail segments in India prefer augmented reality for various reasons, as they can visualize potential products without actually using them.
- Virtual try-on: AR gives customers an idea of what the shopping experience could be like, and they can try clothing and makeovers using the in-house kiosks. This will reduce the overall physical trails and reduce the rates for exchange/ returns.
- Enhanced product visualization: AR allows customers to visualize how things bought can fit into their space at home. AR visualization helps the customers formulate informed decisions, and buy appropriate things.
- Interactive packaging: When customers can scan the QR codes, they will learn about the brand story, thereby engaging in a shopping experience.
- In-store navigation: The AR apps can enable the customers to view the range of products inside the store. This will enhance the customer’s shopping experience.
- Personal shopping experience: Based upon the customer’s browsing history, AR can show the customer a range of products suiting to their requirement.
- Increased customer confidence: AR eventually bridges the gap between online and offline purchasing experience. They enable data collection from customers’ personal experiences. The customer ultimately builds confidence in online shopping.
- Education: AR is used in India for education and other applications. This technology is essential for teaching STEM subjects. A study reveals that almost 50% of schools in India will adopt AR.
- 3D visualization: This helps in understanding concepts like molecule visualization and chemical reaction. This concept will make abstract models visible.
- Simulation: This concept will help students realize the solar system, conduct virtual experiments, and help to dissect a frog. There will be hands-on experience.
- Interactive model: AR will produce visual images that will create a better understanding for students.
- Healthcare: According to a report, AR in India will grow up to USD 136 billion in 2032. There are incremental investments in the healthcare sector presently.
- Surgical planning & assistance: AR can create a 3D modulation, which will enhance visualization and navigation during surgery. The 3D model will aid in minimally invasive surgery; the time and anxiety required for such participation will be reduced.
- Medical training & education: AR aids in medical training & education. They create a 3D model in human anatomy and enhance surgical simulation. They help in remote collaboration by guiding the surgeons.
- Patient care & engagement: While treating patients, AR helps in the process of understanding the patient party and the effectiveness of the surgery. They can be used in personal rehabilitation of programs and easy recovery. AR and VR have a great role to play in the case of physiotherapy, other post-traumatic stress, and disorders.
- Other applications: AR is used to create a real time transcription for doctors and improve the conversation with patients. This technology is used in case of ultra-sound and tesseract imaging.
- Gaming & Entertainment: A study reveals that India will have professional gamers increased to almost 2.5 times by 2028 amounting to 1250 professional esports players. India’s gaming sector is overlooking rapid development, and AR is gaining roots here.
- Large growing base: Presently, India boasts almost 590 million gamers, making this country the second best in the gaming and mobile industry.
- Mobile gaming dominance: Mobile gaming might be a dominant force in India, and there is a high volume of app downloads. There is much demand for free games in India.
- Esports growth: Esports is gaining traction in India with lots of investment and enthusiasts from the youth clan.
- Job creation: The gaming industry is looking towards job creation and ample opportunity in the game-developing sectors.
- Investment & funding: The gaming & entertainment industry in India has attracted lots of FDI (Foreign direct investments) in India, and a large portion is dedicated towards the play-to-play segment.
A larger part of the industry predicts the revenue could reach USD 2.9 billion by 2029.
- Tourism & Culture: AR is transforming India’s tourism by enhancing interactive experiences for travelers. Features like virtual tours, interactive exhibits, and real-time access will make it easier for travelers.
- Virtual tours: AR allows 3D visualization of historical landmarks and destinations, and they exhibit a different experience while tourists can sit in the comfort of home.
- Enhanced information: The AR-powered travel guide provides tourists with information, attractions, and local services.
- Language barriers: AR has the capacity to translate signs and menus and language in local narratives. This helps tourists overcome the language barrier and grow a better understanding.
- Historical recreations: AR can recreate historical events and furnish details to tourists. They will have a better understanding of the place they visited.
- Construction: AR can enhance designs, project planning, and designs in case of construction. Key players in the construction industry, like Tata Elxsi, Machenn Innovations, Simbott, and Pinnacle Infotech, utilize AR. There are various added points in collaborating AR in construction. These start ups decide the future of AR in India.
- Enhanced design: AR enables the design team to visualize the 3D models, thereby reducing errors in designs. They can be overlaid at the original construction site and suggest improvements.
- Improved collaboration: AR facilitates real-time collaboration and allows the teams to facilitate the site information.
- Increased efficiency & productivity: AR can provide the working team with clear information, step-by-step information, and visual guidance.
- Better client engagement: These will enhance client engagement as they will reduce real-time errors and save some costs in the process.
What are the factors favouring the growth of AR in India?
- Increasing Internet & smartphone penetration: According to a study, around 650 million users in India prefer smartphones, i.e., around 46% of the population. This number will see an escalating growth in the future. Hence, the use of AR is increasing in the country.
- Young & Tech-lit population: India has a population of 1.45 billion, and almost 25% of the population belongs to the bracket of age within 40 years. Being a tech-lit and young population, India has a brilliant future in AR usage.
- Government support: The Indian government has tremendous support for AR initiation. Projects like the XR Start-Up program, and MeitY Start-Up Hub support the launch of accelerator programs.
- Growing adoption across sectors: AR is growing in adoption across sectors like retail, healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics, gaming, and advertising. There is a potential for innovation in almost every field.
There are incremental scopes for VR and AR applications in India, and this could be the most lucrative sector for investors. So, if you are planning a start up in VR and AR, then India could be the most favourable place.
Citations:
https://artlabs.ai/blog/most-innovative-ar-companies
https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/india-smartphone-market-growth
https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/educating-india-s-young-population-101735225677770.html
https://www.ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2409080.pdf
https://krmangalamvikaspuri.com/blogs/ar-in-education/
https://www.designtechsys.com/articles/ar-healthcare
https://www.statista.com/outlook/amo/ar-vr/ar-software/india
