What is XR?

Virtual reality is the artificial environment represented with the help of a graphics engine, which are typically displayed on portable VR glasses. VR glasses usually have positioning systems built in, which allow them to rudimentarily determine the movement of the wearer. Classically wired VR glasses allow stationary use for normal users, as movement in VR without movement in reality can lead to so-called "motion sickness." Newer wireless systems allow free movement in a virtual world. A modern graphics engine, such as the Unreal 4 engine, allows designers and programmers to display a lifelike representation of reality and integrate simulation software for correct physics and ballistics.

Extended Reality is the combination of virtual reality and a physical environment or physical objects that are included in the VR. For example, real physical walls are used to delimit the space in virtual reality as well. Augmented reality creates a haptic credibility that ensures that the user can enter the learning phase without delay, especially in the practice and training framework.

The problem with the pure use of VR is that there is no haptic contact between people, objects and infrastructure. Especially the ability to represent other people in augmented reality results in exponential possibilities in scenario creation, since for the training sector it is precisely the interaction with people that is the main task. With XR, the environment and the interactors can be customized at will.

Augmented reality AR differs in that reality is used as a basis and specific objects are reflected by a graphics engine. The head-up display in cars is a distant relative of AR. Typically, augmented reality is used with glasses that have transparent lenses, unlike VR glasses. VR systems, on the other hand, are usually fully enclosed viewing systems. A well-known AR system is Google Glass.

Smartphones with their camera and display combination are also well suited, for example, to insert additional information into the live image of the camera.

The crucial point is that AR can only change reality to a certain degree. In principle, AR is a promising technology in a wide range of fields