What is augmented reality?
Augmented reality (AR) is the technology that enhances the real-world view of a user with visual, contextual information by overlaying digital elements like images or text. These elements remain where they’re placed, even if the user is constantly moving around.
How does AR work?
AR works through a brilliant combination of hardware and software. The sensors on a user’s device map their surroundings and track their movement using advanced computer vision, depth tracking, and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). With this data, it overlays their interactions in real time and displays the augmented view on their smartphone, tablet, or smart glasses.
Real-life examples of augmented reality in business
Virtual try-ons
The world of e-commerce is rapidly adopting AR technology to bring the best experience for their online consumers. Online shopping apps use AR to offer virtual try-ons for products like sunglasses or cosmetics, where consumers can see how something looks as if they were really wearing it. Homeowners can also place furniture or decor items in their room virtually and get a sense of its actual dimensions via AR.


Live property tours
From property surveys to asset maintenance, real estate is a travel-intensive industry for all stakeholders. To make the buying process more efficient, realtors are using AR in their business to conduct virtual property tours for their distant prospects. They can schedule the tour at a convenient time and engage with their prospects in an immersive space.

Remote inspection
Quality assurance and ensuring compliance with industry standards is crucial to any production process. Officials are bridging resource gaps by using AR apps in their inspection methods. They can drop in for a virtual visit at any time, conduct remote inspections by guiding the on-site crew and documenting their feedback directly in the AR app.



Augmented training
Education and training have taken a leap towards interactive learning and visual experiences with AR. Trainers provide a safe training environment, adding their visual instructions in real time using augmented reality. Trainees can engage with their virtual instructor via the AR app and gain valuable insights into real-world processes.



Emerging AR and VR trends in business
Augmented reality and virtual reality (VR) are rapidly evolving technologies that are being adopted by companies across the world. The advent of 5G connectivity boosts AR collaboration among teams through faster, more reliable internet connections. With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), AR and VR in business is set to transform the operational landscape through real-time data analysis by intelligent virtual assistants.
How businesses are using augmented reality in their industry
Augmented reality is used by businesses to enhance their user experiences, boost operational efficiency, and improve workforce productivity. This section explores the impact of AR on different industries and its diverse applications.
Automotive
AR in manufacturing processes helps remote experts provide visual assistance to assembly line workers and streamline operations.
Learn moreAviation
Ground crew and airport staff reduce machinery downtime by using AR for maintenance and repair of aircraft and cargo handling equipment.
Learn moreRetail
AR in business helps retailers enhance their customers’ post-purchase experience and optimize their store operations with ease.
Learn moreConstruction
Construction companies that use augmented reality are accelerating their project completion rates while ensuring workforce safety and productivity.
Learn moreWarehousing
Augmented reality helps warehouse personnel optimize their stocktaking and order picking processes by overlaying visual data onto the warehouse environment.
Learn moreHealthcare
Medical professionals use AR to reach out to patients beyond hospital walls and gather vital information on their condition in a secure environment.
Learn moreField service
With AR, field service technicians can view the customer’s issue remotely, equip themselves with the necessary parts, and solve the issue in one visit.
Learn moreCustomer service
Augmented reality in business helps transform your contact center into your solution center, improving customer satisfaction at their first touchpoint.
Learn moreInsurance
Claim adjusters use visual remote assistance to handle claims via a live video stream and communicate with the customer effectively.
Learn moreBenefits of using AR apps for your business
Augmented reality apps like Zoho Lens can elevate your business operations and empower your workforce with minimal effort and setup. Other benefits include:
- Accelerated issue resolution
- Enhanced customer experience
- Improved workforce productivity
- Reduced operational costs
- Optimized resource allocation

Get the AR solution for your business on your device
Zoho Lens, the AR app for your remote business operations, is available and free to download on your iOS and Android devices. Explore its augmented reality features and enterprise-grade capabilities while you’re on the move and see how it can work for you and your business.