Integrating AR and IoT Services into mHealth Applications for Promoting Wellbeing

By blending real world information with data from digital environments using modern visualizations empowered with augmented reality features, more comprehensive and attractive software solutions can be created. Augmented Realty and Internet of Things are among the state-of-the-art technologies that contribute to the adoption of new, disrupting solutions in the fields of health and urban planning. IoT body sensors can record real-time measurements and offer instant access to users' vital signs while in parallel, environmental IoT sensors record real-time parameters for weather and pollution. In this work we are introducing a prototype application as part of a Nature-based Solution in an urban environment that offers advanced interactivity features with the users and motivates them to increase their physical activity. AR objects are placed at certain locations in the park and present user-specific or location-related information. Modern gamification techniques are also utilized, such as leaderboards and badges with content generated from the users' health data. Furthermore, location-related information is visualized including weather forecasts, environmental data and or briefing and events regarding the intervention in the urban area. The evaluation results of the system in real-world scenarios highlight positive user engagement remarks for promoting mental health and wellbeing in urban environments.