XR at a Glance

What is XR?

Immersive technology (XR) is the umbrella term used to encompass Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) and other forms of alternate, expanded, or immersive reality applications, including those not yet invented. At the XR Association, we use [X] in XR as a stand-in for [A]R, [V]R and [M]R.

XRA is leading the way for the responsible development and adoption of XR by convening stakeholders, developing best practices and research, and advocating on behalf of our members and the greater XR industry.

Healthcare

0 %

believe AR and VR will positively affect the healthcare industry

Manufacturing

0 %

of manufacturing decision makers are already using XR once a week or more.

Healthcare

0 %

agree that XR increases student engagement and motivation

Types of XR Technology

Virtual reality (VR): Immerses users in fully simulated, 3D environments such as a foreign destination, a virtual lecture hall, or a video game. This technology typically requires headsets to incorporate multiple senses, such as 360-degree vision, hearing, and touch..

Augmented reality (AR): Layers computer-generated imagery onto a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. Devices like smartphones, tablets, and AR glasses allow applications in retail, navigation and construction.

Mixed reality (MR): Blends augmented and virtual reality, allowing digital objects to coexist and interact with the physical world in real time. In mixed reality, a user might place a 3D image of a sofa in their living room, as they could in AR, but also turn, reposition, resize, or otherwise adjust the image to explore different views and angles.

How Has XR Evolved to Date?

XR remains in the early stages of the innovation timeline, with early adopters and enterprise users scratching the surface of the technology’s possible applications. Since its early introduction, XR applications have expanded beyond gaming into industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing and retail.

Timeline

XR in Action

Whether it’s virtual, augmented or mixed, immersive technologies are expanding their capabilities to upscale industries and improve workflows, training, and user engagement.

While XR can be integrated across manufacturing, education, entertainment and more.

Education

Immersive learning environments are transforming traditional classrooms and lesson plans by transporting students to completely different places and times. Teens & students are utilizing AR, VR and MR to engage with experiential learning and learn at their own pace.