Extended Reality (XR) refers to all combined real and virtual environments and man-machine interactions, and is therefore, to be understood as the “reservoir” for representative forms such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) and the interpolated areas between them. These are generated by computer technology and wearables. XR offers an experience for the senses. The line between reality and the simulated world becomes blurred as you dive into another world visually, acoustically or even haptically.In Augmented Reality (AR) virtual information and objects are overlaid on the real world. This experience enriches the real world with digital details such as images, text and animations, which are accessed through AR glasses or via screens, tablets and smartphones. Users are not isolated from the real world, but can interact and see what is happening in front of them. You’re familiar with the Pokémon GO game, which simulates digital creatures in the real world, and have you ever conjured up hats or glasses on your face in Snapchat? Then you know two of the most famous examples of AR.

Virtual Reality (VR), unlike Augmented Reality, lets users immerse themselves completely in a simulated digital environment and – unlike AR – has nothing to do with the real world. A VR headset or a head-mounted display provides a 360-degree view of an artificial world that deceives the brain and makes users believe that they are climbing Mars, diving in the deep sea or entering the new world. The games and entertainment industry adopted this technology early on; companies from a wide range of industries such as healthcare, construction, engineering and the military are catching up.

Mixed Reality (MR), digital and real objects coexist and can interact with each other in real time. MR is the latest immersive technology and is sometimes called hybrid reality. It requires an MR headset and much more processing power than VR or AR. Microsoft’s HoloLens is a great example of how you can place digital objects in the room you are standing in and have the ability to rotate them or interact with the digital object in any way you want.