{"id":26,"date":"2021-01-07T12:53:43","date_gmt":"2021-01-07T10:53:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.uef.fi\/openar\/?page_id=26"},"modified":"2026-10-09T09:35:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T06:35:57","slug":"front-page","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.uef.fi\/openar\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome to OpenAR"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is OpenAR?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

OpenAR is an open access project hailing from the University of Eastern Finland, continuously progressed by a variable group of students and teachers. The foundation of the project is to make augmented reality headsets available to everyone and inspire enthusiasts to develop their own DIY AR devices. All the documentation, 3D models, and code are free to use and modify. The devices are designed around modular, replaceable components, using affordable and widely available materials\u2014such as pocket mirrors and reading glasses!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is it for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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You! Tinkerers, electronics hobbyists, schools, companies interested in AR, augmented reality enthusiasts\u2026 the list goes on. Our latest iterations rock the most hobbyist-friendly parts imaginable. If you have ever soldered in your life (or if not, but watch a tutorial or two first), then you will be able to build our AR headset from start to finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the best part is, the cost of the headset can be as low as 35 \u20ac! The total manufacturing cost varies between 35\u2013130 \u20ac depending on the model with the bulk of the cost coming from electronics. The optical elements are cheap\u2014commercial AR headsets use sophisticated waveguides and custom parts, while OpenAR demonstrates the underlying principles using inexpensive off-the-shelf components and making the optical system easy to understand and reproduce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How do they work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To date, all devices utilize one of two optical designs to form the image. The first design has all the optical components at the front of the head, while the second moves the display towards the temple. Both designs allow adding a second glass plate for stereo vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Two optical designs using the same four components. The display, mirror, and lens are responsible for proper image formation, while the glass plate works as a beam splitter, simultaneously redirecting light originating from the display towards the eyes and allowing a clear view of the surroundings.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Because of the simplicity of the designs, expensive and specialized optics are not needed. The rest of the headset is a bit of electronics which dictates its functionality, and a 3D printed frame to hold the components together. That\u2019s it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Showcasing the OpenAR models<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All OpenAR devices work on the principle of modularity and replaceability: with minor modifications, you can change the 3D-parts, the electronic components, the optics, and the software to your liking. From environmental sensors and thermal imaging to games and gesture-based communication, the OpenAR platform is designed to adapt to your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OpenAR-S (upcoming)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Model S resembles regular eyeglasses and incorporates sliding components to make individual adjustments easy.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With components costing roughly 35 \u20ac, model S is the smallest and most accessible device in the OpenAR family. The tiny AR headset listens to Bluetooth Low Energy advertisements, picking up on transmitters up to tens of meters, and displays the received information in the user\u2019s field of view. This model emphasizes low weight and ergonomics, utilizing the smallest possible components you can find with pocket money as of 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Model S is still under development, so stay tuned for its upcoming release!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OpenAR-M & OpenAR-G<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Models M and G share the same design to perform two very different tasks. With a weight of about 100 g and an average cost of 80 \u20ac, putting these headsets together won\u2019t be a hurdle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OpenAR-M<\/a> integrates a temperature and humidity sensor. It allows the user to monitor their working surroundings in real time while keeping their hands free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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OpenAR-M allows you to gather data of your surroundings as you move about.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

OpenAR-G<\/a> makes use of an AI gesture recognition module as well as Bluetooth to achieve peer-to-peer communication via gestures: two devices can communicate up to 200 m via simple gestures. Send a thumbs up to your friend on the other side of the building and they will know you are ready to go, whatever it is that the two of you are coordinating…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Two pairs of G-glasses communicating in real time. The communication range is up to 200 meters, and the signals can penetrate walls and other visual blocks.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

OpenAR 2.0\u20132.2<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

OpenAR 2.0\u20132.2 is a family of three devices that demonstrate how the same platform can support very different applications. OpenAR 2.0<\/a> runs a simple demo program and works as a platform for future iterations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Models 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 from left to right. The construction of model 2.0 focused on getting the optics to work without any particular software in mind, whereas models 2.1 and 2.2 run a thermal sensor and a game, respectively.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

OpenAR 2.1<\/a> contains a thermal camera, bringing infrared radiation visible to us mortal beings. Go ahead and inspect any heat leaks around your house before the next winter arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A view through the OpenAR 2.1 Thermal headset. The actual user experience is much more immersive!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Forget fidget spinners\u2014OpenAR 2.2<\/a> runs an app that is a mockup of the classic Flappy Bird game. Of course, as members of Center for Photonics Sciences, we named the game Flying Photon! Your phone acts as a controller and the headset as a display. By tapping the phone screen, you can move the photon up and down as it flies toward incoming obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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