Top Augmented Reality Projects to Sharpen Your Skills and Build Your Augmented Reality Portfolio

As the innovative technology industry progresses into a world of more sophisticated reality applications and interactive experiences, the capabilities of augmented reality are improving quickly. Consider adding this valuable skill to your portfolio and become part of today’s augmented reality industry. 

Keep reading to find the best augmented reality projects that will help you kickstart your career in this futuristic tech industry. We will cover augmented reality projects for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners.

5 Skills That Augmented Reality Projects Can Help You Practice

The augmented reality (AR) industry is transforming user experience through its interactive headset technology. The recent announcement of Facebook’s Metaverse is a testament to this growing industry. According to Statista’s forecast, the global augmented reality and virtual reality industry will create 23 million jobs by 2030. 

If you want to be a part of this advanced tech industry and work for tech giants like Facebook, you will need to acquire a wide range of AR skills. Below are the top five skills needed to practice augmented reality projects. 

• Augmented reality programming. You need to develop expertise in several general-purpose programming languages used in this field. You will need to learn C++, Python, C#, Swift, JavaScript, Java, and React Native. 
• 3D development. Augmented reality projects include many 3D fields. You will need to attain an in-depth understanding of various 3D aspects, such as modeling, images, game engines, and application development skills. 
• Unity 3D engine. The Unity 3D engine is one of the most popular engines used for augmented reality game development purposes. You need to master the Unity 3D game engine to do various AR projects. 
• User experience and user interface. Augmented reality applications use innovation, neural networking, and virtual reality to provide optimal interactive experiences to their users. It’s improtant that you have excellent user experience and user interface skills to deliver these applications. 
• Vuforia. The Vuforia software development kit (SDK), is a popular engine used to build Android augmented reality applications. You will need to attain Vuforia engine skills to complete augmented reality infrastructure projects. 

Best Augmented Reality Project Ideas for Beginners 

If you are new to creating a 3D model or a 3D image, then beginner augmented reality project ideas are for you. For those who are augmented reality novices, you can begin by taking online courses to learn augmented reality. 

Keep reading to find beginner augmented reality projects that cover game tutorials, virtual reality projects, computer graphics, and 3D objects. 

Make an Augmented Reality Pokemon Card Game Tutorial 

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming, user experience and user interface, Vuforia, 3D development, Unity 3D engine

For those who loved playing the 2016 game Pokemon Go and are interested in how the game’s augmented reality features worked, then this is a great project idea. You will need to have a foundational understanding of popular reality apps, Unity 3D and Vuforia, to create this project. 

You will also need to have a working knowledge of C#, user interfaces, and mobile app development skills for iOS and Android devices. In this project, you will make a Pokemon augmented card game where you will include two Pokemon cards and their image targets. 

You will also use Unity and Vuforia to create a 3D virtual Pokemon and add a user interface button to your model. Finally, you will create C# scripts that will cover the Pokemon attacks and particle effects. 

COVID-19 Detection System Using Magic Leap 

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming

This project will assist anyone interested in honing their artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and Magic Leap skills. You will need to install the hospital intelligence automation system server and complete a Tensorflow 2 DenseNet Classifier tutorial that will help you use artificial intelligence to detect COVID-19. 

You will use COVID-19 CT scan data sets to train your artificial classifier and use Magic Leap 1 and Raspberry Pi 4 to create a COVID-19 computing detection system. 

Use Google Tango Live to Render a Virtual Reality Mesh Environment 

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming, Unity 3D engine

If you want to land a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality job at Google, then adding a Google Tango Live project to your portfolio will increase your chances of getting hired. This beginner’s virtual reality project covers Unity, Tango VR, Tango Delta Camera, and Application Programming Interface (API) features. 

You will create an app using two Google Tango Gemma SDK scenes and input a real-time virtual reality environment. You will begin by importing the Gemma SDK in Unity and paste it into Tango’s experimental mesh builder scene. You will then merge the Tango Delta and the VR camera features and enable the mapping feature of the app. 

Control AC Appliances with the Internet of Things AR

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming, Unity 3D engine, Vuforia

This is another project that uses Vuforia and Unity. You will use augmented reality features to control alternating current (AC) appliances remotely over the internet. You need access to the Unity and Vuforia engines, a visual studio code, and Arduino IDE to do this project. You will also need an LED light, Jumper wires, and a NodeMCU development board for this project. 

You will begin by setting up the Arduino IDE, then program the NodeMCU development board. The last steps of this project include configuring the Unity 3D engine by writing a script using C# and adding the schematics of the circuit diagram. 

Build an Ultrasonic Distance Sensor to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming 

The implementation of augmented reality isn’t just limited to mobile app development and game programming. It is also present in ultrasonic sensory products. If you want to create a project that will help with the prevention and spread of the COVID-19 virus, then this is a great beginner augmented reality project idea. 

You will create Sentinel, an ultrasonic distance sensor that reminds you not to touch your face, eyes, and mouth to reduce the viruses’ transmission rate. You will build a sensor that attaches to a pair of smart glasses that illuminates a red warning light if your hands get close to your face. 

This project uses specific hardware, including an Arduino Nano 33 IoT, Adafruit Flora LEDs, and a Sparkfun Ultrasonic sensor to build an AR Sentinel.

Best Intermediate Augmented Reality Project Ideas 

The best intermediate augmented reality project ideas apply to those looking to create AR projects with in-depth interactivity tech features in them. You will need to have a solid grasp of augmented reality application development, C++, C#, virtual reality experiences, and artificial intelligence to do intermediate-level AR projects. 

The intermediate augmented reality project ideas listed below cover AR robots, an AR headset, VR tools, and 3D objects. 

Build an Animatronic Box Head That Moves and Talks 

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming, Unity 3D engine

If you want to become a Unity developer or an augmented reality application developer, then adding this intermediate project to your portfolio is worth it. This project requires an excellent working knowledge of Unity engine, Arduino IDE, and CylonJS software. 

You will build an animatronic box head that moves and talks using augmented reality. To do this project, you will start by gluing two servos, creating a QR code, and connecting them to the two slide dimmer bits and fork. You will then replace the slide dimmer bit with an Arduino bit by connecting it with a Raspberry Pi. 

Once you assemble the hardware components of the project, you can move on to create an augmented reality application. You will use a Unity 3D engine to build the application and then connect it to the hardware of the animatronic box head using the QR code.

Rotate Your 3D Darth Sidious Hologram Using a LittleBits CloudBit Controller

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming, 3D development, Unity 3D engine 

This cloud controller application project will improve your experience with augmented reality holograms. This project requires you to have access to Unity, littleBits Gizmos and Gadgets, and any Android device. 

You will use the littleBits cloudBit to rotate a 3D object of Darth Sidious using an application controller. You will begin by creating the controller for the hologram and build an augmented reality application for your Android device using the Unity 3D engine. 

You will then connect the cloud controller to the augmented reality application and rotate the hologram of the 3D object. This project uses C# and GameObject target to create this rotating hologram. 

Create a Touchless ATM Using an Augmented Reality Application

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming, Unity 3D engine, Vuforia 

For those interested in an intermediate project related to the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, this project is a great option. Here, you will create a touchless ATM using augmented reality. 

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To execute this project, you will need access to Unity and Vuforia engines, Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT), and Arduino IDE software. You will also need access to the NodeMCU breakout board used for ATMs, SG90 micro-servo motor, and a four-by-four matrix keypad. 

You will create an augmented reality application using the Unity and Vuforia engines and use the Internet of Things devices to connect the AR application data with the MQTT app. This project creates an augmented reality application for an Android device. 

Control the Lightsaber Virtual Reality Tool Using a LittleBits CloudBit Controller

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming, Unity 3D engineer, Vuforia 

If you want to include more cloud-controlled augmented reality hardware and software projects in your portfolio, then this lightsaber virtual reality tool project can be a good addition. It requires you to have access to a littleBits cloudBit controller, a Unity 3D engine, and an Android device. 

You will use the Unity 3D engine to create the AR application and connect that to the lightsaber’s virtual reality tool using the Vuforia engine. You will print the papercraft lightsaber and connect it to the littleBits cloudBit controller to get started. 

Build Your Own Augmented Reality Headset 

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming

Purchasing an augmented reality headset to do your hardware and software projects will require you to pay a hefty price. This construction project helps you build your own augmented reality headset for less than $20. You will need an Antenna Tilt Controller (ATC) Lite, an Arduino Nano R3, an OSH Park printed circuit board (PCB), and other software and hardware components.

You will begin by building a head-up display (HUD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, and an augmented reality display. You will then solder the hardware of the display schematics in the perf board. Finally, you will download the ATC Lite code into your Android application and test the code to start using your very own augmented reality headset. 

Advanced Augmented Reality Project Ideas

If you have expertise in software development, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, visual development tools, and programming languages, advanced augmented reality project ideas are a great way to showcase your skills.

By adding these advanced AR projects to your portfolio, you can move up the ladder to senior AR roles and earn lucrative salaries. According to ZipRecruiter, the top augmented reality developers can earn an average salary of $137,000. 

Build a JARVIS Virtual Home Assistant

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming 

If you’re a Marvel fan, this JARVIS project is a fun option to add to your portfolio. To build this automated artificial intelligence assistant, you will need access to the Unity 3D and Vuforia engines, to an Android Studio, an Adobe Illustrator, and Arduino IDE. 

Using the augmented reality application, you will build the JARVIS virtual home assistant to control your home’s electrical appliances. To do this project, you need to have advanced knowledge of augmented reality application development, virtual artificial intelligence (AI), and AR hardware. 

You will add a voice input, Arduino encrypted data processing, and digital signal features to your Android AI application. You will then connect your electronic appliances to your application using a pin connector. The next steps require you to connect your energy meters and create your circuit diagram using convolutional neural networks and advanced AI. 

Create an Augmented Reality Solar System Board Game 

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming 

If you want to become a game developer and learn to enhance your augmented reality implementation skills in the sector, then this project is for you. It requires you to have access to a Google Firebase, the Google Cloud, a Google AR Core, and an Android Studio. You will then be able to build an augmented reality solar system board game. You will use Internet of Things technology, augmented reality app development, and Android game development for this project. 

You will create the game board using the Paths tool and connect the game piece to Google Cloud using Particle Argon and Particle Xenon. The next steps of this project require you to program the game piece, gateway, Google Firebase database, and the Android application setup. 

Create a Hands-Free Augmented Reality Application That Controls a 3D Printer 

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming, 3D development

The use of 3D printers and models is increasing with advanced artificial intelligence, embedded systems, and robotics. This project is for anyone interested in adding a 3D printer augmented reality project to their portfolios. 

You will need Arduino IDE, Octoprint, Google Cardboard virtual reality SDJ, and a generic 3D printer to do this project. You will use JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Rest API, Raspberry Pi, and Tactigon Skin for this project. You will use an augmented reality application to connect to your 3D printer, setting several hands-free printing parameters. 

Create an Interactive Augmented Reality Application for a Museum

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming, user interface and user experience

In this project, you will create an interactive augmented reality application for a museum that will allow users to interact with the museum’s artwork at home. You will need Amazon Web Services (AWS), the Internet of Things, and DynamoDB to do this project. 

You will create two sensor boards that count the number of people present and detect their motions for the interactive aspects. This project also uses front end languages including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create an optimal web application. 

This is a highly advanced project that requires you to have expert knowledge of user experience, front end programming, MQTT, augmented reality app development, and application scalability. It is best suited for intermediate to advanced software developers looking to add augmented reality projects to their portfolios. 

Build a Virtual Assistant for a Smart Home

• Augmented Reality Skills Practiced: Augmented reality programming 

This is a good project to practice implementing your advanced machine learning, virtual reality, and augmented reality skill. It requires you to have access to Raspberry Pi 3, an Android device, a Nordic semiconductor, and a generic infrared module. 

You will create a virtual assistant for a smart home using natural language processing, Dialog Flow, Raspberry Pi, and Internet of Things technologies. You need to master backend development, machine learning, and Android engineering to do this project. 

Augmented Reality Starter Project Templates

Continue reading to find augmented reality starter project templates you can use to jumpstart your AR projects. Starter project templates are great for beginners who need a project-based guide for their project execution. They are also great for those with advanced AR skills looking to skip the foundational coding needed for a project. 

• Unity migration for ArCore SDKs. If you are a software developer new to augmented reality app development, then you can use this Unity SDK template to migrate your GameObject using ArCore plugins and extensions. 
• Develop Magic Leap applications using the Unity software. This project template and guide helps you install Unity Editor and Unity Project to develop apps in Magic Leap. It also offers a guide to launch Unity Hub. 
• SDKs and Betas ARkit for Apple platforms. For developers interested in building augmented reality applications for the Apple platform, you can download the SDKs and Betas ARkitt to get started. 
• Port and Migrate your Unity AR app to HoloLens 2. This project template will help you update, migrate, and port the Unity AR application to the latest HoloLens 2 version. It will also help you update your mixed reality toolkit. 
• Augmented reality ARKit template. If you are new to the iOS app and AR development, then this starter template for ARKit will help you get started. You will create an AR app, add ARKit to an Xcode project, and enable AR application debugging options. 

Next Steps: Start Organizing Your Augmented Reality Portfolio

Along with ample innovation opportunities, the augmented reality and virtual reality industry come with a high competition rate. So, to land a lucrative AR role and impress your hiring manager, you must start organizing your augmented reality portfolio. Below are three augmented reality portfolio tips you can use to enhance your resume. 

Add Unity 3D Engine Projects to Your Portfolio

A Unity 3D engine is one of the most popular game engine platforms used in augmented reality app development. By adding plenty of Unity projects to your portfolio, you will meet the industry requirements for game application and mobile application development. 

Add Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Convolutional Neural Network Projects to Your Portfolio

If you are interested in pursuing a career that involves advanced augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, then you should add convolutional neural network projects to your portfolio, such as creating a virtual smart home assistant.

Add Projects That Use C# Programming to Your Portfolio

The third tip is to showcase your expertise in C# programming and application development. Augmented reality projects heavily utilize C#. Create tons of Android applications using C# to showcase your programming skills. 

Augmented Reality Projects FAQ