Mixed Reality

Mixed Reality (MR) is a class of experiences where digital 3D content and the physical world merge in real time and interact with each other. In MR, virtual objects are spatially anchored to the real environment with accurate positioning, occlusion and lighting so they appear plausibly present in the scene. MR sits on a continuum between augmented reality (simple overlays) and virtual reality (full immersion) and commonly requires spatial mapping, tracking and context-aware interaction so users can manipulate virtual elements as if they were physical.

A maintenance technician wears a HoloLens to place a 3D instruction overlay precisely on a machine; parts behind a panel are correctly hidden (occlusion) and arrows stay fixed as the technician walks around. During a design review, architects view a life-size virtual model of a building on the real site, measure distances and move components while the model persists between sessions. In collaboration, a remote expert can place holographic annotations and arrows on the same physical components, so both users share the same spatial references.