ABI Research announces enterprise AR platforms competitive assessment

The latest Enterprise Augmented Reality Platforms competitive assessment by global technology intelligence firm ABI Research provides an unbiased examination and ranking of ten prominent enterprise AR platform providers. Ranking criteria are split between present-day implementation and forward-looking innovation potential, and include use case applicability, AI/ML, Cloud, machine vision, enabling technologies support, footprint, partnerships, pricing and business models, device support, integration potential, and time to value.

“The augmented reality market evolves at an astonishing rate, making it difficult for enterprises to keep up and invest appropriately. This underscores that the role of platform partners critical,” says Eric Abbruzzese, Research Director with ABI Research. “The need for digitization and adoption of robust worker enablement tools was quickened with COVID, and that pace remains today. Complex integration and implementation dynamics make a solution partner compelling, enabling quicker time to market with AR capabilities and ultimately quicker ROI delivered from high value use cases like remote assistance, training, and data capture.”

PTC scored first overall in the assessment, followed by TeamViewer, Librestream, and CareAR. PTC was perhaps an expected leader, previously taking the number one spot in other assessments while continually investing in the Vuforia AR portfolio as a core pillar of the PTC business. TeamViewer made a handful of key acquisitions—Ubimax, Upskill, and Viscopic most notably—along with increasing internal investment in AR to climb to the number 2 spot. Librestream and CareAR are prime examples of pushing capability forward, scoring highly in innovation metrics. Librestream’s focus on AI and automation matches ABI Research’s view of the next generation value adds for enterprise AR. CareAR, after acquisition by Xerox, has hit the ground running with a cloud-strong, well-rounded platform. No competitor in this assessment is lackluster, with all companies scoring well enough to be included in the Mainstream category.

“There is always an important balance between pushing the envelope and delivering real-world results. Efforts in AI, machine vision, and enabling technologies like 5G help to differentiate as the market matures, while current presence, partnerships, and portfolio can provide reliable value today. Those with strong capability on both sides are best positioned for the expected AR market growth over the next few years,” concludes Abbruzzese.

CT Bureau