XR Lab
The Stevens XR Lab is dedicated to providing the entire Stevens community the opportunity to explore virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), augmented reality (AR), 360-video and other extended reality (XR) technologies.
The XR Lab offers a space for interdisciplinary innovation, research and learning regardless of school or discipline.
What is the goal of the XR Lab?
The goal of the XR Lab is to encourage participants from all fields of study to explore how extended reality can support learning, research and other pedagogical and curricular goals by bringing together people, technology, resources and space. Students and faculty new to extended reality can come to the Lab to experience XR technology, while those familiar with it may book lab space to work on projects.
Past Events
Teaching with Extended Reality (XR) Faculty Showcase 2023
Using immersive extended reality (XR) technologies, students and instructors can explore, learn and teach in places and in ways that extend beyond the physical world.
On April 24, 2023, Dr. Pin-Kuang Lai (Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science) and Dr. Denver Baptiste (Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology) shared how they incorporated virtual reality (VR) into instruction, in collaboration with the Division of Information Technology’s XR Lab.
Watch the recording to learn about the impact of XR technology on student learning, as well as best practices and recommendations for using immersive technologies in instruction.
Teaching with Extended Reality (XR) Faculty Showcase 2022
On April 21, 2022, Dr. Paola DiMarzio (Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology) and Dr. Biruk Gebre (Department of Mechanical Engineering) shared how they incorporated XR into their Fall 2021 courses. In collaboration with the Division of Information Technology’s XR Lab, Dr. DiMarzio and Dr. Gebre each successfully piloted the use of XR technology in their courses, with a combined total of more than 120 students. Watch the recording of the 2022 Showcase to learn about the impact of XR technology on these students.
Learn more about the XR Lab
Location
Division of Information Technology
Temporary location during IT renovation (March 31, 2023 to the week of August 14, 2023):
Martha B. Stevens, Room 107
Permanent location:
Samuel C. Williams Library Building, Lower Level
Contact
Schedule
The lab is open Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm by appointment only. To schedule a visit to the XR Lab, please create a ticket via the Stevens Support Portal or email [email protected].
Extended reality (XR) is a term that encompasses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR) and 360-degree video.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital objects or information on top of the real world. Users can view these objects by viewing the real world through AR glasses, or through a device such as a phone or tablet. A popular example of AR is Pokémon Go, in which players capture digital creatures called Pokémon, which they can see in the real-world environment using AR.
Virtual Reality (VR)
In a virtual reality (VR) experience, the user is completely immersed in an alternate world. While wearing a VR headset, the user no longer sees or experiences the real world around them. For example, in one popular VR experience the user walks a plank suspended 480 feet above a realistic city street. Users can experience VR using headsets like the HTC Vive Pro or the Meta Quest 2.
Mixed Reality (MR)
Mixed reality (MR) combines augmented reality with virtual reality, allowing virtual objects to interact with real world objects. In mixed reality the user can move around a virtual object, and it stays in position like a real object would in the real world. Users can experience mixed reality using a headset like Microsoft's HoloLens.
360-Degree Video and Photos
360-degree videos and 360-degree photos let the user look around in any direction while viewing the video or photo on a PC, mobile device, or headset such as the Meta Quest 2. For example, Google Street View enables users to interact with 360-photos of views of many streets around the world. National Geographic's YouTube channel features many 360-degree videos such as Endangered Penguins of South Africa – 360.
Faculty and students can use equipment, explore new technology, work on extended reality projects, and consult with the XR Lab staff.
Equipment
At the Stevens XR Lab you have access to such cutting-edge technology as the HoloLens 2, HTC Vive Pro 2, Meta Quest 2, VR-ready development computers, and more. A full equipment list is available here.
Equipment Highlights
Need IT Support?
Get support through our self help resources, contacting IT support or visiting TRAC.