In the following article we would like to introduce you to the Augmented Reality (AR) toolkits of different providers, evaluate their features and weigh up their advantages and disadvantages. The toolkits are very helpful to create 3D configurators in real time.

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Daqri ARToolkit.

This toolkit was introduced as open source code and finally purchased by Daqri, which now offers a commercialized version. The SDK works on various platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, Max OS X and SGI. The kit’s capabilities include black area and planar image tracking, 2D image recognition, camera calibration, and optical HMD display support. However, due to their open source nature, the documentation of their libraries is rather weak.

Vuforia.

Vuforia, which is supported by Android, iOS, UWP and Unity Editor, has the following features:

  • Facilitation of scanning target objects with the Vuforia Object Scanner.
  • Integration of powerful plugins on different levels.
  • Integration of virtual buttons and the possibility to display additional elements via OpenGL.

On the other hand, the Vuforia framework is incomplete, which makes it more difficult for developers working with it for the first time to deal with it. Free versions of the software, however, are not very flexible to use. They are also less suitable for cloud platforms and have a watermark.

Wikitude.

Wikitude, another powerful library, allows developers to create AR applications with next-level features. These include the ability to reconstruct real landmarks on virtual maps, support for AR players, and real-time search for events, articles, and social media posts. The kit can be used in both Android and iOS and supports Unity. In addition, the library documentation is well structured and extensive. Developers can first use free versions before switching to premium versions, which are regularly paid for. Wikitude features include image recognition and tracking, 2D and 3D tracking technology, GEO data, cloud recognition and HTML augmentation.

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ARKit.

Apple’s ARToolKit, known as ARKit, has been around for some time and was officially recognized at WWDC 2017. ARKit uses Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO) to track the space around Apple’s devices, including iPads and iPhones. This allows the devices to detect voids during movement. In addition, the kit is able to analyze room layouts and capture horizontal levels such as tables and floors. This means that virtual objects can be placed on these surfaces. Take, for example, IKEA’s new app developed with ARKit. In this way, customers can visualize the placement and positioning of furniture in aircraft and empty spaces before purchasing.

ARCore.

ARCore, Google’s toolkit, is available for Android 7.0 Nougat and all newer operating systems. Developers can use it to create apps for Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S8 and other OEM devices. ARCore supports other Google 3D tools such as Blocks and Tilt Brush as well as game projects such as Epic Games, Niantic and Wayfair. Given Android’s huge market base, the toolkit has the potential to become the largest in the world.

We hope we were able to give you a first brief overview of the different Augmented Reality Toolkits. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact our experts in our forum.

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