In 1994, Julie Martin and Billy Klver produced the first AR project for the arts. The piece was called Dancing in Cyberspace and used dancers to interact with virtual images projected onto the stage. [30] In 2013, IKEA launched an AR application that allows users to select a piece of furniture and place it in the room that they would intend for it to in their home. This would allow the user to envision what the room would then look like with the new furniture in it. Volkswagon uses a spatial augmented reality application for their design and development process whereby designs are projected on a blank 3D auto model. [3] Artists Lauren Strohacker and Kendra Sollars use AR in the form of high definition projects to display images of vanishing native species on walls to remind the viewers that animals are being displaced and their habitats are being destroyed. [25]

An AR browser is a visual search engine whereby the user points their mobile device at something to see what they are looking at. Annotated information can then be displayed on the screen giving the user more information of the item. [26] AR applications can be used for social media in much the same way that hashtags are used for Twitter. The AR content could be filtered by geolocation as well as the exact image captured by the AR application requiring additional metadata information to be captured. [22] Google Translate is an AR application that allows users to point their smartphone at something to have it translated in realtime right in front of their eyes. [39]

In 1991, William Newman and Pierre Wellner developed a digital desk calculator that utilized tangible augmented reality allowing the user to interact with a projection of a calculator. [3] There are applications that let user see what the solar system is like in 3D. [7]

AR can also be used to remove information or images from an environment. An example of this is the Vulcan Tourism Transporter App that creates a beaming effect like the one from the television show Star Trek. [26] Pokémon GO is a popular AR game that allows users to travel to differnt locations to catch Pokémon characters and earn points. It is one of the most popular AR applications known, thus creating an area that familiarizes users with what AR is and can do. The Pokémon GO app allowed Nintendo's value to increase to an estimated $11 billion in the first five days of the application being launched. [24] Microsoft developed a program called RoomAlive that turns a physical space and the people in it into an interactive game. [3] Microsoft created an AR version of Minecraft that works with HoloLens glasses where users can blowup portions of the room, creating a hole that the user can see into. [25] Sports games can even benefit from AR by providing viewers statistics about the players and team. [29]

Augmented reality can be used to aid in patient care. AR application senarios have been created to help with geriatric education. A nursing home scenario, dementia unit scenario, and wound care scenario allow medical professionals to prepare and train for potential patient situations to be better prepared when they do occur. AR applications help medical professionals to build their skills by preparing by going through a virtual surgery, dentistry training, or for phlebotomists to see veins mapped out on the body. Medical students can train on medical devices via AR applications and receive one-on-one training as if the instructor was right there with them. [11] There is an AR application that allows medical professionals to experience what a patient with schizophrenia would go through by letting them experience all of the same psychotic symptoms as the patient. [13]

The labor workforce is aging which means that skilled laborers will be retiring with a need for replacements. This means that their knowledge will need to be passed down to the next generation. What better way to transfer the knowledge and build skills in new workers, than through AR training applications. Instructions, guides, and manuals can be created in an AR application that new users can train with. [24] AR applications can also help new hires to get acquainted with their new company and surroundings. An AR application can provide information about where things are located, details about their job or department, or how to navigate within the company or campus. [10]

In 2012, Mercedes launched an AR concept for the dashboards of their cars which contained touchscreens and voice-activated controls. [3] Navigation is a great use of AR technology whereby directions and cues can be overlaid on top of the environment telling the user where to go. This will become more popular as cars begin to have more display screens. [14] Augemented reality travel applications allow visitors to tour and experience an area that they have never been before. They can view historical buildings and parks without even leaving the comfort of their home. [38]