Augmented Reality Training


What is augmented
reality training?

Augmented reality training, or AR training, enhances training sessions by incorporating interactive digital objects into real-world environments.

AR platforms accomplish this by rendering and deploying content to a device — such as a smartphone or headset — and providing trainees with an interface that controls the experience.


What is the difference between AR and VR training?

Virtual reality training shares some technological overlap with AR training, but they are two different experiences.


VR fully immerses the trainee into a digital environment. AR, on the other hand, enhances real-world learning by simulating responses to real-world actions — such as cutting an electrical wire or adjusting a water pressure system. This approach helps trainees grasp certain principles quickly and recall the appropriate behaviors in the field.

Virtual Reality Training


What equipment can run AR training programs?

Augmented reality training equipment is as diverse as the industries that required it. Enterprises looking to implement AR training will likely need custom solutions to adapt the platform to their unique needs. The end result might demand a specialized on-site interface or a UI that anyone can manage from a smartphone app.

Handheld device

Handheld devices

The most widely-known AR device is the common smartphone, but tablets can also fill this role. Compatible hardware requires a built-in camera to record the user’s surroundings while mixing digital renderings onto the display screen.



Augmented reality headsets, glasses, and other head-mounted displays are also useful training devices. By bringing AR cameras and displays together, the software can better combine digital and real-world objects within their field of view, creating a more familiar visual perspective.

Retinal displays

Retinal displays

Retinal displays function in a similar way to head-mounted units, but with one crucial difference — they transmit images directly on the user’s retina instead of relying on a screen. While retinal equipment can be fairly unobtrusive, they tend to work best in fixed lighting conditions.

Projection mapping tech

Projection mapping tech

The most experimental version of AR hardware, this method projects images and graphics onto physical objects. Unlike other augmented reality equipment, the trainee does not control AR objects through a dedicated device. This design allows enterprises to scale their AR training for large groups of trainees.


What industries use AR training techniques?

Augmented reality training is a relatively new practice with a small number of proponents, yet it applies to a surprisingly broad range of industries. Some businesses use AR as a tech-based alternative to regular onboarding processes, but many use it to practice specialized or even dangerous tasks within a safe environment. Here are a few examples of industries that use AR training methods today:

AR Training Example
Skilled trades

Skilled trades

Apprentices and students training in skilled trades use AR to simulate their working environments. Ontario’s Mohawk College, for example, uses Microsoft’s HoloLens to create water pressure systems that students interact with during lab sessions.



Augmented reality is an increasingly effective tool for training construction, engineering, and manufacturing teams. According to one study, 26% of companies with AR capabilities use them for employee training. Approximately 53% of respondents also use them as design tools.


Oil and gas

Oil and Gas

Oil and gas businesses typically use augmented reality to provide visual cues and instructions for dangerous equipment. When companies train employees with these systems, it reduces classroom session time while increasing knowledge retention and overall safety.


Retail and hospitality

Retail & Hospitality

Augmented reality training plays a growing role in the retail and hospitality industries. Staff can experience AR-powered customer service interactions. Next, AR allows for product knowledge training to quickly familiarize employees with branded products. Finally, staff onboarding is significantly faster when AR training tools are available.

Healthcare and medical

Healthcare & Medical

AR training has immense potential in medical education as well as day-to-day hospital operations. One excellent example is the HoloAnatomy app, which lets students examine 3D digital renderings of anatomical images in various bodily positions. This technique can supplement or replace cadaver studies without sacrificing detail.



Augmented reality training doesn’t end with on-the-job training — it applies to standard classroom settings as well. AR tools like Elements 4D let students test different chemical reactions without handling substances directly. Meanwhile, Google Expeditions can create digital renderings for in-class study, including tornados, volcanos, and more.


Is AR training more effective than standard methods?

Augmented reality training may be a relatively new technique, but it is proving far more time-efficient and conducive to learning than standard methods.


According to this literature review, 59% of studies show that AR training improves performance times. Meanwhile, 87% show AR contributes to increased learning, both for trained tasks and general education. All relevant studies show augmented reality training reduces errors during tasks and enhances participant immersion.

Augmented reality training effectiveness


How do you build an AR training program?

Training programs must meet unique demands for each industry — to say nothing of each business. In practical terms, the best augmented reality training solutions are customized to meet the needs of each workplace. Here are a few tips to get you started:

AR training design


Start small

When building a custom AR training platform, you don’t need to create a massive service that scales to any organization. Start with a small pilot that can meet a specific need and build features as necessary.


Incorporate real-world surroundings

AR’s greatest strength is how it reimagines your physical surroundings. Consider how AR can enhance real-world training, as opposed to creating fully digital experiences.


Choose AR distribution method

Most AR platforms deploy content to smartphone apps, which is helpful for navigation or training based on visual cues. If you require something hands-on, that might demand specialized sensors or a standalone device.


Avoid internet dead zones

The last thing you want is to build AR training support and realize the designated room doesn’t have internet access. Build your training platform in a space with internet or extend your WiFi reach accordingly.


Choose the right software

The ideal AR software is compatible with a wide range of hardware with easy-to-manage tools for designers and app-based end users.


Meet Vera

Vera offers a personalized AR training solution that replaces costly manuals and physical materials. With Vera’s embedded AI and real-time data, you can deploy engaging tutorial sessions, update scenario content remotely, and ensure a seamless digital training experience for your employees.


How Augmented Reality Addresses Four of the Most Common Patient Complaints

Patient satisfaction has become an increasingly important factor in determining a medical...

5 Examples of Augmented Reality In Modern Healthcare Facilities

At one time, augmented reality (AR) was little more than science fiction. Today, it plays a major...

How Augmented Reality Hospitals Are Providing Better Patient Experiences

Augmented reality (AR) is galvanizing the healthcare industry in new ways every day.