An augmented-reality (AR) device comprises a physical sensor and a display. The AR device identifies, using the physical sensor, a location and orientation of the AR device within a physical environment. A selection of a type of a virtual sensor and a placement location of the virtual sensor within the physical environment is received at the AR device. The placement location of the virtual sensor is determined relative to the location and orientation of the AR device within the physical environment. The AR device provides the type of the virtual sensor and the placement location of the virtual sensor to a server that generates virtual content for the virtual sensor. The AR device displays the virtual content at the placement location of the virtual sensor in the display.