What is XR? XR refers to immersive digital experiences that blend the physical and virtual worlds.
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For example, have you ever taken a virtual home tour to explore properties remotely? Used an app from IKEA or Sephora to visualize furniture in your home or test makeup before making a purchase? Do you remember seeing people exploring their neighborhoods, cell phone in hand, chasing virtual creatures in Pokémon Go? Or maybe as a repair technician you’re already using Microsoft's HoloLens which offers real-time, hands-free instructions and data overlays to fix complex machinery more efficiently. These are just a few examples that illustrate how Extended Reality or XR is shaping everyday activities across different sectors, from shopping and entertainment to business.
Nearly 100 people turned out Thursday, January 30 to celebrate the official launch of WNE’s XR Lab located in D'Amour Library. The lab provides students and faculty with access to the latest in virtual (VR), augmented (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies, positioning the University at the forefront of immersive learning and innovation in western Massachusetts.
"Learning about extended reality gives college students a competitive edge in a world where immersive technologies are transforming industries,” said Marcus Davis, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “Whether it's healthcare, education, engineering, or business, XR equips students with the tools to innovate, solve real-world problems, and shape the future of digital interaction."
The XR Lab can be found in D’Amour Library, Room 219 where it will serve as a hub for developing educational experiences and XR applications, while also exploring the latest tools in virtual content creation and training. In Phase 1, the XR Lab will be used in two ways. Faculty can use the technology to exceed classroom limits, creating interactive simulations to allow students to explore distant locations such as museums, historical sites or even outer space in VR. The Lab will also be used for training where students can practice everything from job interviews through “body swapping” to flying drones-without risk of crashing-for building site visits in engineering.
With access to these tools, students can acquire skills in spatial computing, artificial intelligence, and immersive technologies—skills that are becoming increasingly vital in business.
WNE Alum Edward Zemba, CEO of Link to VR, a leader in the virtual reality industry, helps businesses and organizations like WNE adopt virtual and augmented reality technologies. Founded in 2016, Link to VR focuses on assisting companies with immersive technology solutions, from marketing deployments to corporate events and training. Zemba's goal is to ensure that organizations in the region are not left behind in the growing XR revolution. His company plays a pivotal role in helping businesses, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and engineering, understand and implement extended reality solutions to drive growth and innovation.
In a presentation to faculty and staff, Zemba emphasized XR’s transformative potential. "Extended Reality is revolutionizing education by immersing students in hands-on, experiential learning. With XR, students don't just study concepts—they live them. This technology turns abstract ideas into interactive, real-world experiences, fostering deeper understanding and engagement. It's a game-changer for how we prepare the next generation for tomorrow's challenges," said Zemba.
His work involves not just showcasing the "wow factor" of virtual and augmented reality but also demonstrating its practical business applications, making it a critical tool for future growth.
“I am beyond excited to partner with my alma mater to establish the XR Lab at WNE,” continued Zemba. “But I am even more excited about how the establishment of the lab will become a nexus for all industries in our region so they can come together, learn from each other and form a community that makes western Massachusetts a designation for economic and business growth.”
This establishment of the XR Lab marks a significant milestone in WNE’s commitment to blending academic excellence with industry innovation. The XR Lab is expected to drive new research, solutions, and partnerships, aligning with the university’s mission to contribute meaningfully to both academia and industry.
