What it is
Mixed reality (MR) merges the physical and digital worlds into one interactive experience. Virtual reality replaces your surroundings with a simulated environment, and augmented reality overlays digital elements onto the real world. Mixed reality goes a step further: virtual and real elements sit together and respond to each other.
How it works
MR combines advanced hardware, sensors and software. Devices such as Microsoft HoloLens, VR headsets and AR glasses map the space around the user and place 3D content within it. The user can then interact with that content naturally, by moving around it and using their hands.
For a business, MR can:
- Make digital content easier and more natural to work with
- Provide realistic simulations for training and design
- Let teams in different places collaborate on the same 3D model
- Improve precision and reduce errors in fields such as manufacturing, architecture and medicine
Where it is used in industry
- Training and simulation: realistic simulations for industries such as aviation and defence.
- Remote assistance and maintenance: hands-free guidance and interactive overlays for equipment maintenance and repairs.
- Virtual collaboration: shared virtual spaces for working on 3D models together.
- Workspaces: digital elements built into physical workspaces.
- Architecture and design: viewing and interacting with 3D models in real time.
- Retail: virtual try-ons, product visualisation and interactive shopping.
How we use it
Our VR and MR machine demos let buyers walk around a full-size machine in a headset. Talk to our team about what you want to show.
Choose mixed reality when a machine must appear in the real room, and the person wearing the headset still needs to see the people and space around them.
Related: VR and MR machine demos.
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Frequently asked questions
What is mixed reality?
Mixed reality (MR) merges the physical and digital worlds into one interactive experience. Interactive 3D content is placed in the room around you, so you can walk around a virtual machine or model and work with it as if it were there. Virtual and real elements sit together and respond to each other.
How is mixed reality different from VR and AR?
Virtual reality replaces your surroundings with a simulated environment, and augmented reality overlays digital elements onto the real world. Mixed reality goes a step further: virtual and real elements sit together and respond to each other, so users can interact with 3D content in their real space by moving around it and using their hands.
How does Microsoft HoloLens create mixed reality?
Devices such as Microsoft HoloLens create mixed reality by combining hardware, sensors and software to map the space around the user and place 3D content within it. The user then interacts with that content naturally, by moving around it and using their hands. VR headsets and AR glasses can also deliver mixed reality.
Which industries use mixed reality?
Aviation and defence use it for training and simulation, maintenance teams for hands-free remote assistance, architecture and design for real-time 3D models, and machine builders to show full-size machines to buyers.