Interview K. Monokrousou, T. Katika and J.A.G. Frijns - Testing Augmented Reality to increase public engagement in water reuse

“As the virtual and physical worlds become more merged, major brands are exploring the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and other Mixed Reality (MR) applications. Computer giant Microsoft recently announced Mesh, a digital platform connecting geographically distributed groups to meet and collaborate in shared MR sessions. The water industry is also exploring the use of AR. Teams can now visualise and navigate future project simulations in AR and make design tweaks in real-time. AR is also being explored as a tool to help increase public engagement on water reuse as part of circular economy projects.
Sewer mining in Athens In Athens, an augmented reality smartphone app is being developed that allows people to “see behind the curtain” and engage in a circular development. Located in Goudi, a decentralised “sewer mining” unit treats sewage water to be reused at the urban tree nursery. The demo site explores three aspects of the circular economy: optimisation of water resources, nutrient mining and reuse and energy generator practices. Part of NextGen, a four-year H2020 project, it falls under the EU Water in the Context of the Circular Economy programme.”

(Citation: Interview K. Monokrousou, T. Katika and J.A.G. Frijns – Testing Augmented Reality to increase public engagement in water reuse – www.wateronline.com (2021)17 March)