Daiwabo signs exclusive AR deal with DEVAR in Japan

This collaboration will introduce DEVAR's AR platform and services to Japan, aiming to expand the use of AR across a range of industries.

Augmented reality, which overlays virtual 3D models onto the real world, is not just for entertainment sectors like gaming, but holds promise for a variety of business applications. With technology advancing at a fast pace, DIS is working with DEVAR to swiftly introduce AR into the Japanese market, contributing to the development of a more digital and efficient society.

DEVAR, headquartered in California, is a leader in AR development and deployment, particularly recognised for holding the top global market share in WebAR services. DEVAR's products and services focus on blending the physical and digital worlds, also known as "Phygital," to create new experiences for consumers and businesses alike.

One of DEVAR’s key offerings is the MyWebAR.com platform, designed to enable AR/XR content creation without requiring any programming knowledge. Accessible through a web browser, this platform allows users to craft and engage with AR content through simple interactions. Even in environments without AR specialists, MyWebAR facilitates a more tangible way to present ideas, helping businesses communicate more effectively with their audiences.

The applications for MyWebAR are wide-ranging. Users can visualise how furniture fits within a room, interact with educational materials, examine intricate 3D models in manufacturing environments, and even conduct virtual test runs of equipment. In retail, customers can ‘try on’ clothing, shoes, or glasses, while restaurant patrons can explore menus in AR before making an order. The versatility of AR technology makes it applicable across numerous industries.

DIS will make MyWebAR available through its extensive network of approximately 19,000 sales partners and 96 regional offices across Japan, supporting businesses in their digital transformation efforts. By leveraging the potential of AR, DIS aims to foster new business models and drive innovation.

Anna Belova, Founder and CEO of DEVAR Entertainment LLC, stated: “Augmented reality is no longer confined to the entertainment sector; it is rapidly becoming a transformative technology across various industries. From education and retail to healthcare and manufacturing, AR offers unique opportunities to enhance user engagement, streamline processes, and create immersive experiences. As the AR segment continues its exponential growth, we at DEVAR are excited to partner with DIS to bring our cutting-edge MyWebAR platform to Japan, empowering businesses to tap into the vast potential of this technology and drive innovation across the board.”

Shigeki Tanimizu, Senior Vice President of Daiwabo Information System, added: "AR has been used mainly in the entertainment industry until now because it requires specialised knowledge and skills. However, by collaborating with DEVAR, we are able to provide an environment where customers all over Japan can easily use AR. AR can provide a more intuitive and immersive experience, and we believe it will lead to a revolution in proposal styles and the creation of new businesses. By providing DEVAR MyWebAR, we aim to improve corporate productivity and realise a future where users can enjoy more convenient and enriched lives.”

Through this partnership, DIS and DEVAR seek to make AR more accessible in Japan, providing businesses with the tools they need to embrace this rapidly evolving technology.