XR

Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital information, such as 3D models, text or instructions, onto a person's view of the real world, while keeping their physical surroundings fully visible. That is different from Virtual Reality, which replaces the real world with a simulated one. For a fuller explanation of how AR works and where it is used, see What is augmented reality?

First-person view of two hands performing hand-tracking gestures, with a real room visible in the background

People Tech Revolution lists AR Applications among its custom-build capabilities on Labs, described there as work to "bring print materials, physical environments or artwork to life with interactive AR overlays." More broadly, PTR describes itself as crafting "bespoke solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) to foster inclusive, empathetic, and effective environments across various sectors."

AR compared with VR and MR

AR sits alongside Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality as one of three technologies commonly grouped under Extended Reality (XR). Which of these fits a given task usually comes down to how much of the physical world people need to stay aware of while they work.

VR AR MR
Physical world visible? No, fully replaced Yes, digital content is overlaid on top Yes, digital objects interact with it
Typical hardware Standalone headset Phone, tablet or AR glasses Passthrough or see-through headset
Common use in PTR's practice Role-play, perspective-taking, procedural rehearsal Overlaying print, environments or artwork Not yet a published PTR delivery, see below

Practical considerations

AR's usefulness depends heavily on the device and the setting. Handheld phone or tablet AR is the most widely available option and needs no special hardware, but holding a device up for an extended session is tiring and the field of view is limited to the screen. Dedicated AR glasses free up the hands and widen the field of view, but remain less common outside specialist workplaces, and battery life, weight and cost all constrain how long and how often they can be worn. Tracking quality also depends on the environment: low light, reflective or featureless surfaces, and fast movement can all make digital content drift or lose its anchor. Any AR build that asks for camera access should explain plainly, in advance, what is captured and why.

To see PTR's wider XR work, visit the XR overview page. If you would like to talk through an AR idea, the Contact Form is one tap away in the site menu, and in the footer of every page.

Key takeaway

Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital content, such as 3D models, text or instructions, onto a live view of the real world through a phone, tablet or headset camera, while keeping physical surroundings fully visible. Because it needs no fully simulated environment to build, AR's most common uses are quick overlays on real objects rather than complete scenes.

Try it

One live AR experience you can explore now is the AR Business Card on Labs Demos, an augmented reality business card experience you can try in the browser, no app install needed. Try the AR Business Card

A young woman in an embroidered denim jacket wearing a PeopleTech Revolution branded headset raises both controllers at a PTR community event
Trying immersive tech hands-on at a PTR community event in Townsville.

Sources and further reading