My Journey into Extended Reality

It was a Thursday in 2019, COVID-19 had just begun to spread globally, and I was in my office facing the challenge of conducting remote production inspections with customers. Maintaining operational efficiency while ensuring safety was critical. Little did I know, this moment would mark the beginning of an unexpected journey—one that would introduce me to the transformative world of extended reality (XR).

Discovering Mixed Reality

While searching for an alternative to conventional cameras, which were cumbersome to use alongside laptops and other devices, I discovered mixed reality (MR) goggles, specifically the Microsoft HoloLens. At the time, only a few goggles were being tested across Europe in experimental projects. Initially, I saw them as a means to streamline inspection management and bridge the gap caused by pandemic restrictions. However, as I integrated the device into our workflows, I quickly realized it was more than just a temporary solution—it was the gateway to an entirely new way of interacting with our environment.

The Ongoing Convergence of Physical and Digital Worlds

As I delved deeper, it became evident that technology is driving a remarkable convergence of the physical and digital worlds. We are witnessing one of the most profound transformations in human history, reshaping how we think, collaborate, and create. Advancements in computing have not only enabled more precise and immersive representations of reality but have also redefined how we engage with it. Our relationship with the products we design and manufacture has evolved, dissolving the traditional boundaries between information, visualization, and the physical world. XR is more than an innovation—it represents a paradigm shift. The ability to seamlessly overlay digital information onto the real world in real time has vast implications across industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to education and entertainment. As technology evolves, this fusion will become even more seamless, unlocking new possibilities and transforming how we experience reality.

Transforming Our Perception of Reality

What began as a necessity-driven search for a solution has transformed into a profound exploration of new possibilities. Extended reality is redefining how we work, learn, and interact, opening boundless opportunities for the future. In the years ahead, goggles may give way to even more advanced and integrated technologies. One thing is certain—we will experience reality in an entirely new way, continuously enriched and reshaped by innovation. This emerging reality will redefine our society, revolutionizing how we engage with culture and interact on a personal level. The fusion of ideas and the material world is creating a new form of interaction, shaping the future in unprecedented ways.

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Extended reality (XR) is a broad term encompassing technologies that enhance or transform reality by integrating digital elements into the physical world. This includes augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR), each offering varying levels of immersion and interaction.