- Tu Yi shares how EasyAR is pushing the boundaries with its spatial computing platform and AR navigation solutions.
- Tu Yi discusses the anticipated developments in AR, including the integration of AI and the potential impact of emerging technologies like 5G.
- Tu Yi reveals plans for extending EasyAR’s influence internationally, particularly in the European market, and the role of AR in cultural tourism.
Tu Yi is the vice president and chief operating officer (COO) of EasyAR. He holds a master’s degree from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and has accumulated extensive experience in the research and development of computer vision-related products. Currently, he is mainly responsible for product operations, market development, and product sales at EasyAR. EasyAR is a company focused on augmented reality (AR) technology, offering solutions such as AR cloud recognition, AR cloud services, and AR SDK. Its products are widely used in various industries including culture and tourism, business districts, education, and industry, and are committed to providing digital empowerment to these industries through advanced AR technology.
The future of AR technology
“AR is a very attractive industry. Our company was established in 2012, and it has been 12 years now, but we believe that AR is just getting started.”
Tu Yi, vice president and COO of EasyAR
In a recent discussion with Tu Yi, vice president and COO of EasyAR, the future of augmented reality (AR) technology was explored in depth. Tu Yi highlighted the potential growth of AR, stating, “AR is a very attractive industry. Our company was established in 2012, and it has been 12 years now, but we believe that AR is just getting started.” He believes that AR is in its early stages and that significant advancements are still to come. The technology’s trajectory suggests a continued evolution over the next decade, with developments in AR glasses and their integration with AI marking a new era for the industry.
Tu Yi also discussed the impact of pioneering hardware on the AR landscape. He mentioned Apple’s Vision Pro glasses as a pivotal development, noting, “Apple’s Vision Pro glasses have essentially laid the foundation for a new computing platform.” This innovation is expected to spur growth in the AR sector, with the first generation of such hardware likely to see substantial expansion within three to five years. This timeline indicates that we are on the cusp of a transformative period for AR technology.
Also read: Is Apple Vision Pro mixed reality?
Integration of AR with AI and advanced technologies
“Our initial step was creating an SDK, most of our capabilities were on the device side. But in recent years, we have been very firm in moving these capabilities to the cloud.”
Tu Yi, vice president and COO of EasyAR
The integration of AR with artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies like 5G is a key area of focus for EasyAR. Tu Yi explained, “Our initial step was creating an SDK, most of our capabilities were on the device side. But in recent years, we have been very firm in moving these capabilities to the cloud.” This shift reflects a broader trend towards leveraging cloud computing to enhance AR functionalities, particularly in large-space positioning.
Tu Yi highlighted the advantages of 5G networks in supporting AR development, noting, “The construction of 5G networks and the coverage of 4G and 5G networks is very very good.” He emphasised that the rapid development of 5G in China supports the growth of large-space AR applications domestically. The synergy between 5G and cloud technologies is crucial for the future of AR, enabling more sophisticated and scalable solutions.
Also read: Apple enters India’s streaming market with Bharti Airtel deal
Applications of EasyAR technology
EasyAR has made significant strides in applying its AR technology to real-world scenarios. Tu Yi showcased the practical uses of AR navigation, saying, “AR navigation can be used on mobile phones… It can also be used on AR glasses.” He described how AR navigation addresses challenges in traditional positioning systems, particularly in complex indoor environments like hospitals and large commercial complexes. The integration with services like Alipay, which has implemented AR navigation in nearly 100 hospitals, demonstrates the technology’s effectiveness in improving offline efficiency and user experience.
Furthermore, Tu Yi discussed the potential future applications of AR glasses, including enhancements in real-time navigation and language translation. He noted, “With AI’s automatic translation… everyone can be completely independent without needing help from others.” This capability will significantly impact travel and business interactions, making AR glasses a valuable tool for overcoming language barriers and navigating new environments.
Enhancing user experience and market expansion
“Before we opened up the cultural tourism market, everyone thought the first scenario for AR utilisation would be industrial.”
Tu Yi, vice president and COO of EasyAR
EasyAR’s commitment to enhancing user experience is evident in its innovative applications in cultural tourism. Tu Yi shared, “Before we opened up the cultural tourism market, everyone thought the first scenario for AR utilisation would be industrial.” He explained how EasyAR has shifted focus to more consumer-centric applications, such as the AR lantern festival at Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden. This initiative not only creates immersive experiences but also drives visitor engagement and ticket sales.
Looking ahead, Tu Yi expressed optimism about expanding EasyAR’s influence globally. He mentioned, “I am very optimistic about the European market,” and highlighted plans to enter this market once geopolitical conditions allow. He noted that Europe, with its rich cultural heritage, presents significant opportunities for AR applications, particularly in cultural tourism. This expansion aligns with EasyAR’s strategy to leverage its technology in diverse and impactful ways across different regions.
