Augmented Reality: Introduction to the Special Theme

This Special Theme of ERCIM News provides an overview of current research efforts in Europe in Augmented Reality (AR) enabling technologies and applications, with focus in particular on the domains of cultural heritage as well as construction and industry. There is still a lot of research needed to develop enabling technologies that facilitate easy and natural access to augmented reality. This special issue includes an introduction and overview of AR browsers and an article about an "Interactive document" system that facilitates AR on printed documents. It also includes an article where the effects of rubber hand illusion are studied, i.e., how people perceive an augmented hand that they can control.