AR-Enhanced Vacuum Cleaner: Dyson-like AR Solution

Who would've thought that augmented reality would be used in vacuum cleaners? Well, Dyson did! They're breaking new ground by integrating AR technology into their cleaning devices.

 

Dyson is totally shaking things up with CleanTrace, its new augmented reality feature that is changing the game for household chores. 

 

In a world where time is precious, CleanTrace is becoming a hot topic for its innovative approach to cleaning. Now, while you vacuum, CleanTrace gives you real-time visuals of the spots you've cleaned and areas that have been missed.

 

The AR-enhanced vacuum cleaner is such a brilliant idea that everyone is wondering, "Why didn't I come up with that?" 

 

Well, do you want to learn how to harness the power of an augmented reality vacuum cleaner, similar to what Dyson did?

 

Note: It doesn't have to be a vacuum cleaner! Our experts are ready to tackle the challenge, no matter what your idea.

 

In this article, we are:

 

• Exploring the ingenious CleanTrace idea from Dyson.
• Discovering valuable lessons we can learn from Dyson augmented reality.
• Breaking down what you need to know to build an AR-enhanced vacuum cleaner solution.

 

Let's dive in!

AR mode kiosk made by Onix

What's Dyson's Big Idea?

CleanTrace revolutionizes how we approach household cleaning, making it easier and even more fun. It provides users with real-time visualizations of cleaned areas as they vacuum, helping them achieve more thorough and efficient cleaning results.

But why choose a vacuum cleaner? Where did this idea of an AR-enhanced vacuum cleaner solution come from?

 

Let's hear it straight from the company itself:

 

"Our research found that people often think they spend more time cleaning than they actually do. While most cleaning sessions are under 10 minutes, many believe they vacuum for about 24 minutes each time.

 

Additionally, our studies revealed that people tend to clean in a scattered and inefficient manner, often repeatedly going over the same spots while missing others completely. This highlighted the necessity for Dyson CleanTrace™."

 

Now that we've clarified the concept, let's dig into how CleanTrace works.

 

1. Activation. Users activate CleanTrace through the Dyson app on their smartphone.

 

2. Sensor integration. CleanTrace utilizes sensors integrated into Dyson vacuum cleaners to track the user's movements during cleaning.

 

3. Data collection. As the user vacuums, CleanTrace collects data on the areas covered and movements made.

 

4. Real-time transmission. This data is transmitted in real time from the vacuum cleaner to the user's smartphone via the Dyson app.

 

5. Augmented reality mapping. The Dyson app employs augmented reality technology to generate a digital map overlay on the smartphone screen.

 

6. Visualization. The digital overlay visually represents the areas successfully cleaned by the user.

 

7. Feedback. Users receive instant visual feedback on their cleaning progress, allowing them to identify areas that have been missed or need further attention.

 

Here, you can take a look at the CleanTrace software in action:

 

 

Some Technical Nuances

And finally. To ensure you get a complete understanding of Dyson's AR solution, we need to discuss the technical aspects.

 

Compatibility of Dyson vacuum models

Dyson CleanTrace is compatible with the Dyson Gen5Detect cordless vacuum cleaner. It operates through the "MyDyson" app on users smartphones.

 

Smartphone compatibility

Currently, Dyson CleanTrace is supported on LiDAR-enabled iPhones, including:

 

• iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

 

Lessons You Can Learn From Dyson

Dyson has demonstrated how to seamlessly incorporate modern technology into an established business, resulting in significant advantages.

 

Customer-centric approach

Dyson focuses on what its customers really need, creating products that address specific pain points and enhance user experience. This customer-first approach builds strong brand loyalty, encourages repeat purchases, and ultimately boosts customer satisfaction and retention.

 

Innovation

Dyson's dedication to innovation and pushing technological limits shows businesses the value of staying ahead in the game. Through ongoing innovation and product development, companies can stand out in the market and attract customers seeking the latest and most advanced solutions.

 

Brand image and reputation

Dyson's reputation as a leader in innovation and design gives it a unique edge over its competitors. By investing in modern technologies that communicate their value and identity, businesses can enhance their brand image and draw in customers who connect with their values and products.

 

Market expansion and diversification

By introducing cutting-edge AR solutions like the CleanTrace tool, Dyson not only enhances the experience for existing users but also attracts new customers. Leveraging AR technology, Dyson seizes market opportunities, strengthens its competitive position, and drives growth through market expansion and diversification.

 

 

What should I do to build an AR solution, like Dyson did?

Want to replicate Dyson's success? Well, overall, it's not as tough as it seems, and it's definitely achievable.

 

In essence, what you need is

 

1. an idea that solves your users' problems
2. technical partner who can bring this idea to life
3. budget for implementing this idea.

 

But we understand you're curious about the details of the development process and looking for the answer to the question, "How can I create an AR solution as Dyson did?"

 

As experienced developers, we have a clear understanding of the stages involved in developing solutions like Dyson's AR technology. 

 

While Dyson may not share the exact details of the process, we can offer insights into the probable approach taken by their experts (based on the resulting solution they are offering). Additionally, we'll provide an overview of the typical AR development process to help you understand the key steps involved.

 

Let's start by breaking down the typical AR app development process into key stages. This way, you can get a clearer picture of the standard steps involved and how it all comes together:

 

• Project discovery: This involves research, gathering requirements, and documentation.
• Selecting mobile developers: Choose the right team for your project.
• Design stage: Prototyping and creating 3D models.
• Technology stack decision: Decide on the best tools and AR platform for your needs.
• Development: Includes backend and mobile development, AR module creation, and quality assurance.
• Deployment and support: User group testing, launching your app, and providing ongoing assistance.

 

And now, we offer our informed speculations on Dyson's process and share practical tips for each stage to help you navigate your own process effortlessly.

 

1. Project discovery (Preparation for an AR application development)

In the earlier part of the article, we mentioned Dyson's study on consumer cleaning habits, which provided them valuable insights. So, it's reasonable to assume that Dyson initiated their development process right from the project discovery phase.

 

During this phase, the company:

 

• analyzed consumer needs and goals, including a deep dive into the pain points experienced by individuals during cleaning.
• brainstormed ways to infuse a fun and gamified element into the cleaning experience while ensuring effectiveness. 

 

What can we take away from this?

By analyzing the product's current state and understanding consumer pain points, Dyson realized that integrating AR technology into their vacuum cleaners could be a game-changer, making household chores much easier.

 

If you're considering adding an AR feature to your app or creating an AR app from scratch, we recommend starting with a product discovery phase like Dyson did.

 

Here's how the Onix team can conduct the product discovery phase for your project:

 

1. Planning (2-3 days)

We start by analyzing requirements and creating a further discovery plan.

 

As a part of our project discovery services, Onix’s specialists help you to:

 

• Gather high-level requirements
• Assess existing solutions and customer feedback (*if the product is not built from scratch)
• Review internal documents and market surveys
• Conduct competitor research
• Create a detailed discovery plan

 

2. Analysis (7-10 days)

We analyze your business to develop a clear product vision, set priorities, and establish success criteria.

 

This stage involves:

 

• Defining functional breakdown
• Setting priorities
• Studying the target market and defining user personas
• Creating user journeys
• Analyzing architecture's functional requirements
• Designing initial architecture vision
• Creating user screen flows

 

3. Finalizing product vision (10-15 days)

Our experts finalize your product vision, prepare a possible project implementation roadmap, and calculate recommended development costs.

 

At this stage, our team will help you:

 

• Define the most suitable architecture
• Choose the optimal technology stack and automation level
• Build an MVP prototype with essential modules and AR features for cleaning devices
• Validate hypotheses from business, user experience, and IT perspectives
• Shape the final solution scope
• Develop a project roadmap
• Estimate the project timeline and budget for MVP or full-fledged product implementation.

 

 

2. Development team needed to build an AR mobile app

After analyzing their users' needs, Dyson brought their technical team into action. They created a comprehensive development plan, set priorities and deadlines, chose the optimal technology stack, and gathered experts needed for this project.

 

You might be wondering what kind of team I'll need to develop an AR-enhanced vacuum cleaner like Dyson, aren't you?

 

Well, below, we outline the typical development team required for creating an AR solution:

 

• Project manager

Oversees the development process, manages timelines, budgets, and resources, and ensures smooth communication between team members and stakeholders.

 

• AR developer

Responsible for implementing augmented reality features and functionalities, integrating AR frameworks, and optimizing AR experiences for mobile devices.

 

• Frontend developer

Builds the app's user interface, ensuring it's visually appealing and intuitive to navigate.

 

• Backend developer

Develops the server-side logic and database management system to support the app's functionality.

 

• UI/UX designer

Designs the user interface and experience of the AR app, ensuring intuitive navigation, visual appeal, and seamless interaction with AR elements.

 

• QA engineer

Conducts thorough testing of the AR app to identify and fix bugs, ensure compatibility across devices, and maintain quality and performance.

 

• DevOps engineer

Sets up and maintains the development environment, implements CI/CD pipelines, and manages deployment processes to ensure efficient and reliable app delivery.

 

 

3.  Tech stack to build an AR mobile application

Dyson CleanTrace currently works only on LiDAR-enabled iPhones. If you plan to create something similar, we'll help you pick the right technology stack for building an iOS-based AR app.

 

But if you prefer to expand beyond the iOS platform, our developers can assist you in choosing other options with the required technologies.

 

Below, we've gathered all the essential information you need, providing a comprehensive overview of each approach and a list of reliable technologies.

 

But first, we should explain to you that there are two approaches to mobile AR development:

 

• native app development
• cross-platform app development

 

Each approach offers its own set of advantages, suitable technologies, and specific use cases depending on your goals.

 

Now, let's dive into the details.

 

Native app development

Native app development involves building separate versions of the AR app for each platform (iOS and Android) using platform-specific languages and tools.

 

Best suited for:

 

• Apps that require high-performance graphics or complex interactions.
• Projects with a larger budget and longer development timeline.
• Companies that prioritize platform-specific user experiences and have separate development teams for iOS and Android.

You should also consider an AR framework. Popular options include ARKit for iOS and ARCore for Android.

 

When deciding between ARKit and ARCore for your AR app, your choice should align with your business goals and target audience. Here's a simple breakdown:

 

• Opt for ARKit if

your goal is to monetize through in-app purchases or subscriptions. iOS users are known to spend more on apps, making it a lucrative platform for generating revenue.

 

• Choose ARCore if

reaching a broad audience is your priority. Android devices outnumber iOS devices globally, offering a more extensive potential user base. If you aim to maximize your app's reach, targeting Android users is a strategic decision.

 

Cross-platform app development

Cross-platform app development allows developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms.

 

Best suited for:

 

• Apps with relatively simple UI/UX requirements and straightforward functionality.
• Projects with limited budgets and shorter timeframes.
• Startups and small businesses looking to reach a wider audience with a limited development team.

To create AR experiences for both iOS and Android using a single codebase, you'll need to utilize third-party frameworks and software development kits (SDKs). These tools streamline the process of adding special AR features to your app quickly and efficiently, reducing errors along the way.

 

An SDK typically includes guides, code samples, documentation, libraries, and other resources to aid development.

 

One essential requirement is support for Unity 3D, a versatile game engine renowned for its robust AR capabilities. This makes it ideal for cross-platform development and handling complex AR projects.

 

Additional tools and libraries we recommend use

Incorporate third-party tools, SDKs, and libraries to enhance your AR app's capabilities, such as:

 

• Computer vision libraries. OpenCV, Core ML for image processing and computer vision tasks to facilitate object recognition and tracking in AR.

 

• Analytics and monitoring: Analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Firebase Analytics to track user engagement and app performance metrics.

 

4. AR app design and AR content creation for Dyson-inspired AR solution

Did you catch that video showing the Dyson AR app in action?

 

It's so simple and easy to use, isn't it? Well, that's exactly how it's supposed to be! Their main aim was to make household chores easier, so they designed it to be user-friendly and intuitive.

 

Here's how we can approach it when designing a product like Dyson's AR app:

 

• User-centric design

We begin by understanding the target audience and their preferences. For a product like Dyson's AR app, which aims to simplify household chores, the design should prioritize ease of use and intuitive navigation. Clear visual cues and minimalistic interfaces enhance usability, ensuring that users can easily access the app's features.

 

• Brand consistency

We align the app design with brand identity, incorporating its logo, color palette, and visual style. Consistent branding creates a seamless experience for users and reinforces brand recognition.

 

• Functionality

The app design should support the product's core functionality, such as

 

• guiding users through the vacuuming process
• providing real-time feedback on cleaning progress
• offering tips for optimal cleaning performance.

 

Interactive elements, such as virtual buttons and sliders, enable users to control the app effortlessly.

 

• Personalization

Our experts can personalize users' cleaning experience by customizing their virtual environment, avatar, or cleaning goals. This adds a sense of ownership and investment in the cleaning process, making it more enjoyable for users.

 

• Gamified challenges

We can introduce gamified challenges or missions users can complete to earn additional rewards or unlock new features. These challenges could range from cleaning specific areas within a time limit to tackling virtual obstacles while vacuuming.

 

• Educational content

Our designers incorporate educational content into the AR experience to teach users about proper cleaning techniques, product features, and maintenance tips. This will not only enhance the user experience but also empower users to become more informed and efficient cleaners.

 

• Rewards and incentives

We implement a reward system that incentivizes users to clean more thoroughly and efficiently. Users can earn points, badges, or virtual rewards for completing tasks, achieving goals, or reaching milestones during cleaning.

 

5. AR vacuum cleaner development: front-end and back-end

Alright, now we're at the most exciting part. This is where our software developers step in to bring everything to life. They'll code the mobile app features, AR modules, and server components based on the specifications and design materials we've created.

 

Developing an AR solution like Dyson involves front-end and back-end software development.

 

Let's break down each type of development for better understanding.

 

Front-End Software Development

Front-end software development is all about creating the app's look and feel – the things users see and interact with.

 

Here's what the front-end software development process entails:

 

• Development. Front-end developers bring the UI/UX designs to life. They build the structure, layout, and behavior of the app's interface, ensuring it is responsive and compatible with various devices and screen sizes.

 

• Integration with AR frameworks. In the case of an AR app like Dyson's, front-end developers work with AR frameworks like ARKit (for iOS) or ARCore (for Android) to integrate augmented reality features seamlessly into the app's interface. This involves object tracking, plane detection, and gesture recognition.

 

• Optimization. Front-end developers optimize the app's performance and loading times by minimizing unnecessary code, optimizing images and media files, and implementing techniques like lazy loading and code splitting.

 

• Testing and debugging. Front-end developers conduct extensive testing throughout the development process to identify and fix any bugs or issues. This includes cross-browser testing and device and usability testing to ensure a smooth and error-free user experience.

 

Back-End Software Development

Back-end software development is essential for powering the AR app's functionality and managing the data it relies on.

 

Here's an overview of the key stages:

 

• Architecture design. Back-end architects design the overall structure of the server-side components. The architecture should be scalable, secure, and maintainable.

 

• Database design. Back-end specialists design the database schema to store and manage application data. This involves defining tables, relationships, indexes, and constraints. 

 

• Server-side logic. Developers write code to implement the application's server-side logic. This includes handling user authentication and authorization, processing business logic, and interacting with the database.

 

• API development. Back-end developers design and implement APIs to expose the application's functionality to client-side applications. They define endpoints for retrieving and manipulating data, following best practices for API design and documentation.

 

• Security implementation. Developers implement security measures such as encryption, authentication, authorization, and input validation to protect the application from common security threats. They follow industry standards and best practices to ensure the application's security.

 

• Testing and quality assurance. Back-end developers write unit tests and integration tests to validate the functionality of the server-side components. They use testing frameworks and tools to automate the testing process and ensure code quality.

 

• Performance optimization. Developers optimize the performance of the back-end system to ensure fast response times and scalability. This may involve techniques like caching, query optimization, load balancing, and horizontal scaling. Performance testing helps identify bottlenecks and optimize the system's performance under load.

 

• Deployment and maintenance. Once the back-end components are developed and tested, they are deployed to production servers using continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. Developers monitor the back-end system's performance and reliability in production, applying patches and updates as needed to ensure smooth operation.

 

That's everything! These are the key aspects of development you should be aware of.

 

Remember, to ensure everything goes according to plan and runs smoothly as we've described, it's crucial to select a trustworthy technical partner who knows precisely what needs to be done and how to do it.

 

 

How Onix Can Assist You in Creating a Dyson-like AR App

We're AR & VR development experts who build dependable products for various industries.

 

Whether it's an AR vacuum cleaner, AR gaming app, AR scanner, or anything else, our team is ready to bring your idea to life. We're up for the challenge!

To see our expertise in action, you can check out our case studies:

 

Wormhole Blue

 

 

About an app: The app offers an immersive experience where users interact with AR objects and each other through points of interest linked to geodata. These POIs are visible in augmented reality on both globe and map views. Users can personalize avatars and meet others within a 100-meter radius in AR.

 

Trying on a watch (AR mode kiosk)

 

 

About our solution: The application offers a unique way to try on watches in augmented reality. Users simply wear a paper wristband with a printed marker at wrist level. The app then overlays virtual wristwatches of selected models and materials onto the screen, providing an immersive and realistic experience.

 

AR solution for marketing

The app concept: We used AR to merge a mobile app with a traditional brochure. Users can access detailed information about Onix, including products, employees, and office views, by scanning markers on brochure pages. Smooth animations, 3D effects, and high-definition 360-degree office views enhance the virtual experience.

 

To Conclude

In this article, we've covered the essential aspects of a product like Dyson's AR app. However, remember that this is a standard process, and your experience may vary. Some steps might differ slightly, and that's okay. Every project is unique, so it's normal for things to be a bit different based on your specific needs and circumstances.

 

Whether you:

 

• need assistance with your AR app development
• want to enrich your existing mobile app with AR features
• have any other AR-related needs

 

Feel free to contact us!

 

 

FAQ

 

How long does it take to develop an AR-enhanced vacuum cleaner solution like Dyson's?

The timeline for developing AR features for cleaning devices can vary depending on various factors such as project complexity, feature requirements, technology stack, team size, and development approach. 

 

Generally, the development process for such a solution may take 2-6 months. It involves stages such as project discovery, design, development, testing, deployment, and support, each requiring careful planning and execution. Additionally, integrating advanced features like real-time object recognition or interactive visualization may contribute to the development timeline.

 

Can an AR solution be integrated with existing products or services?

Sure! In fact, integrating AR technology with existing offerings is a common strategy for enhancing user experience, adding value, and staying competitive in today's market.

 

AR can be integrated into retail apps to enable virtual try-on experiences for clothing, accessories, or cosmetics or educational platforms to provide interactive learning experiences.

 

The key is identifying areas where AR technology can add value to your existing products or services, understanding your target audience's preferences and needs, and working with experienced developers to integrate AR features seamlessly into your offerings.

 

How much does it cost to develop an AR-enhanced vacuum cleaner solution?

The cost of developing an augmented reality app like Dyson may start at around $10,000 for a basic demo app and increase to approximately $40,000 for a more advanced app on iOS or Android. The final cost depends on the app's complexity, desired features, and development timeline.