Extended Reality (Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, & Virtual Reality)

With Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) paving the way for innovation and accessibility, all of these key terms and technologies fall under the umbrella of Extended Reality (XR) so we have created two rooms to support these cutting-edge technologies.

Extended Reality (XR) so we have created two rooms to support these cutting-edge technologies.

Here students, staff and faculty can explore everything from Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, to computer programing through app development for mobile devices. We have extended reality consultation services and drop-in hardware testing stations for anyone to experiment with this new technology.

The blue walls in the Extended Reality rooms provide a secondary function past aesthetics to enable Mixed Reality with video tracking.

We help faculty with the integration of Extended Reality into their course syllabus. The process starts with a consultation and a visit to the Digital Media Lab for a hands-on experience with the technology. From small groups to large enrollment classes, we will show you how to adapt XR technology to meet your needs and the strategic goals of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

We will support events and small meeting spaces for after-hours student groups and organizations such as the Virtual Reality Student Group that we established. If you’d like to schedule a group visit, please fill out our Group Visit Planning Form.

Augmented Reality provides an interactive experience where the real-world environment is augmented by computer-generated objects and information.

At the Digital Media Lab we can help patrons create and experiment with Augmented Reality Apps, tools and equipment. We support research faculty with collaborative projects for funding and student projects/experience.

By overlaying digital objects in a physical space, MR enables our patrons to view and interact with 3D models in a new and innovative way. Faculty, students, and staff can use headsets, including Meta Quest 3, for MR and explore 3D models. Other MR headsets include Microsoft HoloLens, and the Apple Vision Pro.

Since we started in 2018, we had helped faculty to visualize their research and have assisted students in experiencing virtual reality.

The equipment we have includes:

• HTC-Vive (VR)
• HTC-Vive Pro (VR)
• HTC-Vive Cosmos (VR, AR, MR)
• Meta Quest (VR, limited AR, limited MR)
• Meta Quest 2 (VR, limited AR, limited MR)
• Meta Quest 3 (VR, AR, MR)
• Lenovo Mirage Solo (VR – For Development)

To use the equipment, please book either of the two extended reality rooms.

For more information on the Digital Media Lab services, visit our information site.