How We Made the CES 2024 AR Experience: Android Virtual Guide, powered by Geospatial Creator

We used Google’s latest AR technologies to inspire developers, creators, and brands on how to elevate the conference experience for attendees.

Bradford Lee, Kira Rich
11 min readintermediate
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Overview

The article discusses the creation of a 360° augmented reality (AR) experience at CES 2024, featuring an Android Bot as a digital guide. It highlights the collaboration with Left Field Labs and Adobe, utilizing Geospatial Creator, ARCore, and Photorealistic 3D Tiles to enhance attendee navigation and engagement.

What You'll Learn

1

How to utilize Geospatial Creator for location-based AR experiences

2

Why integrating AR with real-world navigation enhances event experiences

3

How to create interactive AR content using Adobe Aero

Prerequisites & Requirements

  • Basic understanding of augmented reality concepts
  • Familiarity with Adobe Aero and Geospatial Creator(optional)

Key Questions Answered

How did the Android Bot enhance the CES 2024 experience?
The Android Bot served as a digital guide, providing seamless navigation, delightful AR content, and helpful tips to attendees. It replaced the Las Vegas Convention Center facade with engaging scenes, helping users locate demos and transportation hubs effectively.
What tools were used to create the AR experience at CES 2024?
The AR experience was developed using Geospatial Creator, powered by ARCore, and Photorealistic 3D Tiles from Google Maps Platform. Adobe Aero was utilized for visualizing and anchoring the AR content around the Google Booth.
What were the main advantages of using Geospatial Creator?
Geospatial Creator allowed for rapid iteration with live previews, precise visualization of the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the ability to anchor digital content accurately. This facilitated a seamless integration of AR elements into the real-world environment.
How did attendees interact with the AR experience?
Attendees engaged with the AR experience by scanning a QR code, which launched the experience without needing to download an app. They could follow the Android Bot, explore demos, and receive navigation assistance through Google Maps.

Technologies & Tools

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AR Development
Geospatial Creator
Used to create location-based AR experiences and visualize digital content placement.
AR Development
Adobe Aero
Utilized for visualizing and anchoring AR content around the Google Booth.
AR Development
Arcore
Powered the AR experience and enabled app-less interactions.
Mapping
Photorealistic 3d Tiles
Provided detailed visualizations of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
3d Development
Unreal Engine
Used to visualize occlusion models and bring in 3D Tiles.
3d Modeling
Autodesk Maya
Used to create the Android Bot character and additional 3D props.
UI Design
Figma
Used for designing flat user interface elements.
3d Visualization
Cinema 4d
Used for additional visualization and promotional shots.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Leverage AR technology to enhance user engagement at events by providing interactive and contextual information.
Using AR can transform how attendees interact with exhibitors, making it easier for them to navigate and discover content that interests them.
2
Utilize tools like Geospatial Creator and Adobe Aero for creating immersive AR experiences that blend digital content with real-world locations.
These tools enable rapid prototyping and visualization, allowing developers to create engaging experiences without needing physical setups.
3
Incorporate user feedback during the design and testing phases to refine AR interactions and ensure they meet attendee needs.
Iterative testing can help identify potential issues and enhance the overall experience, leading to higher satisfaction among users.

Common Pitfalls

1
Failing to test AR experiences in the actual event environment can lead to performance issues.
Without real-world testing, developers may overlook localization challenges and user interaction dynamics that only become apparent in situ.
2
Neglecting user feedback during the design phase can result in a less engaging experience.
Iterative design based on user interactions ensures that the AR content is relevant and enjoyable, enhancing overall attendee satisfaction.

Related Concepts

Augmented Reality
User Experience Design
Event Technology
Location-based Services