{"id":21425,"date":"2020-01-28T16:19:37","date_gmt":"2020-01-28T16:19:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arimetrics.com\/glosario-digital\/augmented-reality"},"modified":"2026-09-16T21:43:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T21:43:13","slug":"augmented-reality","status":"publish","type":"encyclopedia","link":"https:\/\/www.arimetrics.com\/en\/digital-glossary\/augmented-reality","title":{"rendered":"Augmented reality"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"boxpad alignright wp-image-14819 size-full\" style=\"margin-top: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.arimetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/37-5.jpg\" alt=\"Augmented reality\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" \/> <strong>Definition:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Augmented reality<\/strong>, abbreviated as <strong>AR<\/strong>, is a technology that adds digital information or elements to the perception of a physical environment. Content can be displayed through a phone&#8217;s camera and screen, glasses or other devices capable of recognising position, space or particular objects.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike virtual reality, AR does not completely replace the real environment. It adds text, images, three-dimensional models, sound or interactive directions to it. The accuracy of the experience depends on the device, sensors, software and environmental conditions.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Augmented reality applications<\/h2>\n<p>The ability to connect digital content with a physical space or object allows augmented reality to be used in different fields:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Entertainment:<\/strong> Games and applications can integrate virtual characters, effects or activities into the user&#8217;s environment.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.arimetrics.com\/en\/digital-marketing-agency-spain\">Digital marketing<\/a>:<\/strong> Brands can display products in context, create virtual try-ons or add interactive experiences to campaigns and stores.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Military training:<\/strong> Simulations and overlaid directions can support exercises and practice in controlled environments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Engineering design:<\/strong> Models and prototypes can be viewed at scale within the space in which they will be used.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Robotics:<\/strong> Data overlays can help interpret a machine&#8217;s status or guide interaction between people and robots.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Medicine, education and tourism:<\/strong> AR can represent anatomy, explain learning material or provide contextual information about places and objects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Examples of augmented reality<\/h2>\n<p>These services and devices illustrate different ways of connecting digital content with the environment:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Google Maps:<\/strong> Its walking navigation can display directions and visual references over the camera image in supported locations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pok\u00e9mon GO:<\/strong> The game places virtual creatures and elements in physical locations and can display them over the camera image.<\/li>\n<li><strong>IKEA:<\/strong> Its tools allow selected furniture to be represented at scale inside a room before purchase.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Google Lens:<\/strong> It combines image analysis with features that identify objects, translate text and overlay information in the camera view.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Snapchat:<\/strong> Its lenses apply digital effects and objects to a face, body or space detected by the camera.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Assemblr:<\/strong> It allows users to create three-dimensional content and view it in augmented reality on compatible devices.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Microsoft HoloLens:<\/strong> It is a mixed-reality device that places spatial digital content in the user&#8217;s field of view and supports interaction with it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Advantages of augmented reality<\/h2>\n<p>When an implementation addresses a specific need, augmented reality can provide several advantages:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>User experience:<\/strong> It can support visual interactions situated in the context in which a decision is made.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Contextual information:<\/strong> It can display instructions or data associated with a place, object or task.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Training and education:<\/strong> It can represent processes and provide guided practice without relying solely on abstract explanations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Operational efficiency:<\/strong> In certain environments, visual instructions can reduce lookups and help people complete tasks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interactive marketing:<\/strong> Virtual try-ons and demonstrations can help people understand a product before purchasing it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accessibility:<\/strong> Some applications can add visual, audio or spatial directions, although their usefulness depends on accessible design and each person&#8217;s needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Definition: Augmented reality, abbreviated as AR, is a technology that adds digital information or elements to the perception of a physical environment. Content can be displayed through a phone&#8217;s camera and screen, glasses or other devices capable of recognising position, space or particular objects. Unlike virtual reality, AR does not completely replace the real environment. 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