In this article, learn how to enhance and demonstrate the safety of your augmented, virtual and mixed reality (AR/VR/MR) devices and equipment with VRARA member UL Solutions.
AR/VR/MR innovation and adoption
Advances in 5G and Wi-Fi 6 technologies combined with more affordable and compact devices and an influx of skilled software developers is driving rapid innovation and adoption of AR/VR/MR products. The market is expanding quickly, and analysts forecast that consumers will be using more than 100 million AR/VR/MR headsets and smart glasses by 2023.*
With the heightened demand for products such as head-mounted displays, holographic displays and VR simulators, manufacturers and developers are challenged with the task of balancing design and innovation with user safety.
Standards and requirements
New standards are required to help manufacturers mitigate the unique safety risks associated with AR/VR/MR products. These include concerns regarding potential safety hazards related to prolonged use of an AR/VR/MR headset, such as headaches and neck strain as a consequence of continually carrying equipment weight, or potentially adverse effects resulting from extended durations of exposure to harmful optical radiation sources.
In response, our non-profit affiliate, UL Standards & Engagement, established a Technical Committee (TC) to develop and published UL 8400, the Standard for Safety for Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality Technology Equipment. UL 8400 is the world’s first safety standard dedicated to spatial computing and extended reality equipment safety.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adds UL 8400 to the NRTL Program's List of Appropriate Test Standards
On Jan. 16, 2024, OSHA announced the expansion of the scope of recognition of UL LLC as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).
Along with this expansion, OSHA also added thirteen safety standards to the NRTL Program's List of Appropriate Test Standards. The UL 8400, the Standard for Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality Technology Equipment, is one of the additional safety standards included that would apply to AR/VR/MR headsets in commercial and enterprise environments. For more information on this, please visit here.
Support from the VR/AR Association (VRARA)
We maintain strong affiliations with industry associations like the VR/AR Association (VRARA) to advocate safety that will help to advance VR/AR/MR technology. VRARA recognizes our efforts and support that all VR/AR/MR equipment demonstrate 3rd party certification by an OSHA National Recognized Testing Laboratory to UL 8400.
AR/VR/MR testing and certification
We provide a comprehensive range of testing and certification services for your AR/VR/MR products and add-on auxiliary equipment. Our experts can perform preliminary design evaluations and testing to UL 8400, as well as evaluate, test and certify to other local, national and international safety Standards such as UL/IEC 62368-1. We can help you understand evolving safety risks, demonstrate due diligence, protect brand liability and navigate market requirements to gain consumer confidence and launch innovative AR/VR/MR products to the global marketplace.
