What it is
Augmented reality (AR) is technology that overlays digital content, such as images, video or information, onto your view of the real world. The physical surroundings stay in view, and the digital elements appear within them.
Image source: Forbes
How it works
A device's camera and sensors read the surroundings, and software places computer-generated content in the right position on screen. AR runs on smartphones, tablets and AR glasses, so many users can try it on a device they already own.
For a business, AR can:
- Make products and data easier to understand by showing them visually
- Speed up tasks such as assembly and maintenance with on-screen guidance
- Support remote collaboration across locations
- Create interactive brand and marketing experiences
Where it is used in industry
- Manufacturing: AR-assisted assembly, maintenance and training to reduce errors on the factory floor.
- Remote assistance: experts guide on-site staff by overlaying instructions onto the real environment.
- Retail: in-store navigation, virtual try-ons and interactive product displays.
- Marketing: AR advertisements and campaigns.
- Automotive: heads-up displays, navigation overlays and real-time traffic information.
- Gaming: games that blend virtual elements with the real world.
Augmented reality in retail. Image source: Threekit
How we use it
Our AR product visualisation shows your product at actual size on a phone or tablet, at an exhibition booth or in a sales meeting. Talk to our team about the products you want to show in AR.
Edgetech used AR on a 3D printed air handling unit at ACREX 2026, TAFE has AR stories on 19 products in its showroom, and Spark Minda used tablet AR in its dojo workshop. Choose AR when people should see it on a phone or tablet, with no headset.
Related: AR product visualisation, Touch screen kiosks.
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Frequently asked questions
What is augmented reality?
Augmented reality (AR) is technology that overlays digital content, such as images, video or information, onto your view of the real world. The physical surroundings stay in view, and the digital elements appear within them. AR runs on smartphones, tablets and AR glasses, so many users can try it on a device they already own.
What is the difference between AR and VR?
Virtual reality (VR) replaces your surroundings with a simulated environment through a headset. Augmented reality (AR) places digital content, such as a 3D machine, into the real room on a phone, tablet or AR glasses.
How does augmented reality work on phones and tablets?
Augmented reality works by using a device's camera and sensors to read the surroundings, while software places computer-generated content in the right position on screen. Because AR runs on everyday smartphones and tablets as well as AR glasses, businesses can reach many users without asking them to buy special hardware.
Which industries use augmented reality?
Manufacturing uses AR for assisted assembly, maintenance and remote assistance. Retail uses it for in-store navigation, virtual try-ons and product displays, and it also appears in marketing and automotive heads-up displays.
What business benefits does augmented reality offer?
Augmented reality helps businesses make products and data easier to understand by showing them visually. It can speed up tasks such as assembly and maintenance with on-screen guidance, support remote collaboration across locations and create interactive brand and marketing experiences. In manufacturing, AR-assisted assembly, maintenance and training help reduce errors on the factory floor.