Which hardware devices are commonly used for AR experiences?

Common hardware devices for AR experiences include head-mounted displays (HMDs), smartphones/tablets, and specialized peripherals like controllers and depth sensors. These devices work together to capture the physical environment, render digital content, and enable user interaction. The choice of hardware depends on factors like application requirements, mobility, and user comfort.

Head-mounted displays, such as Microsoft HoloLens, Magic Leap 2, and Apple Vision Pro, are dedicated AR devices that overlay digital content directly into the user’s field of view. These HMDs integrate cameras, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and depth sensors to track head movement and map the environment. For example, HoloLens uses a combination of infrared sensors and spatial sound to anchor holograms in 3D space. Developers often target these devices for enterprise or high-precision applications, leveraging SDKs like Microsoft’s Mixed Reality Toolkit. While powerful, HMDs can be bulky and expensive, making them less accessible for consumer-focused projects compared to mobile alternatives.

Smartphones and tablets are the most widely used AR platforms due to their ubiquity and built-in hardware. Modern devices include ARCore (Android) and ARKit (iOS) frameworks, which use camera feeds, accelerometers, and gyroscopes to enable marker-based or markerless AR. For instance, apps like Pokémon GO or IKEA Place rely on smartphone cameras to detect surfaces and place virtual objects. LiDAR sensors in newer iPhones and iPads improve depth perception for better occlusion and object placement. Mobile AR is cost-effective but limited by smaller screens, battery life, and processing power compared to HMDs. Developers often prioritize mobile-first solutions for broader reach.

Specialized peripherals enhance AR interactions. Handheld controllers, such as Meta Quest Touch controllers, provide precise input for selecting or manipulating virtual objects. Depth sensors like Intel RealSense or external cameras (e.g., Azure Kinect) improve spatial mapping for complex environments. Haptic gloves, such as those from HaptX, add tactile feedback, useful in training simulations. These tools are often integrated into custom setups for industrial or research use cases. For example, a warehouse AR system might combine HMDs, depth sensors, and RFID scanners to guide logistics workflows. Developers working on advanced applications should evaluate these peripherals to address specific interaction or tracking needs.