Extended Reality (XR)

What is extended reality (XR)?

Extended Reality (XR) serves as an umbrella term encompassing all immersive technologies including virtual, augmented, and mixed reality that enhance or replace our view of the world through digital experiences.

Header - How does Extended Reality (XR) work?

This inclusive classification brings together Virtual Reality (VR) systems that completely replace physical surroundings with synthetic environments, Augmented Reality (AR) applications that overlay digital content onto real-world views, and Mixed Reality (MR) implementations that blend physical and digital elements with interactive capabilities. Rather than defining separate technology categories, XR acknowledges the continuous spectrum of immersive experiences and the increasingly blurred boundaries between these modalities as hardware and software capabilities evolve.

Industrial applications leverage XR technologies across diverse sectors: manufacturing facilities utilize XR for equipment maintenance guidance and worker training; healthcare providers implement surgical planning tools and patient education systems; while architectural firms create interactive building visualizations for stakeholder reviews.

Header - How is Extended Reality (XR) used?

The XR classification simplifies communication about immersive technologies without requiring precise categorization of hybrid implementations that might simultaneously incorporate characteristics from multiple reality-altering approaches. This terminology flexibility supports developers and stakeholders.