Mass Virtual Expands U.S. Army Aerial Intelligence Training with XR Classroom at Fort Bliss

Mass Virtual Expands U.S. Army Aerial Intelligence Training with XR Classroom at Fort Bliss

Mass Virtual, Inc., a leader in immersive virtual reality training solutions, has expanded its support of the U.S. Army with the deployment of an XR-equipped classroom at Fort Bliss. Built on the company’s MassXR® platform, the classroom delivers high-fidelity, repeatable training for technicians responsible for operating and maintaining advanced sensors and surveillance systems aboard an aircraft.  Mass Virtual is working in collaboration with Project Director Sensors–Aerial Intelligence (PD SAI) to deliver the first-of-its-kind training under the Army’s VAST program.

This effort builds on a previously completed proof-of-concept initiative conducted in partnership with Leidos, showcasing the power of collaboration in advancing military training innovation.

The Virtual Aerial Systems Trainer (VAST) includes an interactive aircraft model, a virtual flight line mirroring real location and immersive emergency scenarios. These elements aim to improve proficiency, speed up learning, and prepare soldiers for high-stakes, multi-domain operations (MDO).

To support evolving training needs, Mass Virtual has delivered a suite of virtual modules that allow soldiers — both pilots and non-rated crew members — to engage in hands-on learning for key systems and procedures, ranging from preflight operations to advanced maintenance and electronic intelligence (ELINT) tasks. These modules were developed and deployed in record time, with initial training occurring just hours after receiving official approval.

“We’re honored to provide immersive, mission-ready training to the U.S. Army,” said U.S. Army CSM (Ret.) Billy Webb, Senior Director of Business Development at Mass Virtual. “This classroom gives soldiers an environment to learn, practice, and perfect their skills—so they can execute with confidence when it matters most.”

Shortly after deployment, non-rated crew members (NRCMs) from the 204th Military Intelligence Battalion began training in the new virtual modules. Within a single training session, they completed the designated training experience, marking the first operational exposure of this user group to the new content. Their early feedback is already informing iterative improvements and laying the groundwork for future enhancements.

“The soldiers love the capability and they're already incorporating the VAST into their training program and thinking of new ways to use it,” said Sam Benfer, Training Manager, PD SAI. "They're amazed by the fidelity and excited to build upon the virtual foundation that the product provides.”

This XR classroom supports the Army’s broader modernization strategy by providing soldiers with scalable, immersive training that adapts to evolving mission demands. As the Army advances its use of digital and distributed learning technologies, efforts like this ensure Warfighters are equipped with the tools they need to stay mission-ready -- anytime, anywhere. Mass Virtual remains committed to delivering training solutions that align with the Army’s vision for a more agile, technology-enabled force.

View the VAST classroom in action: Mass Virtual Expands U.S. Amy Aerial Intelligence Training with XR

About Mass Virtual
Mass Virtual stands at the forefront of the XR industry, leveraging 15+ years of unparalleled expertise in designing, developing, and deploying immersive, turn-key training ecosystems. Our commitment to innovation drives us to consistently push the boundaries of what's possible, delivering pioneering XR products that transform the way our customers experience training and education. We take pride in exceeding expectations—delivering solutions that enhance human performance, increase readiness, and deliver value for the Warfighter. Learn more at www.massvirtual.com.

Magnetic 3D Partners wtih Rutgers RWJ School of Medicine

Magnetic 3D today announced that the company has signed an expanded agreement with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) to advance clinical research and applications leveraging the Magnetic 3D’s glasses-free 3D platform. The goal of the agreement is to deliver new immersive solutions for healthcare providers and educational institutions aided by Artificial Intelligence.

The agreement facilitates collaboration between Magnetic 3D and RWJMS to explore a number of exciting applications from new medical devices that could one day assist clinicians in the operating room, to interactive educational tools that bring immersive virtual reality (VR) content to medical students and patients alike, without the need for headsets.

“One of the biggest hurdles with VR and AR technologies is the commitment to wearing a headset or 3D glasses,” said Dr. Naveena Yanamala, PhD, associate professor of medicine, section chief of clinical research & AI Innovation, and director of data science and machine learning research in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hypertension at RWJMS. She added, “This becomes an obstacle, requiring setup time that clinicians may not have, and can be uncomfortable for students or patients. Glasses-free 3D technology solves these challenges allowing anyone to experience 3D content instantly – a real benefit for all stakeholders.”

One of the key focus areas is cardiology where 3D imaging plays an important role in visualization, education, surgical planning, and training.

“The ability to interact with lifelike, three-dimensional cardiac images without the constraints of headsets or glasses is a game-changer,” said Dr. Partho Sengupta, Chief of Cardiology in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hypertension at RWJMS & RWJUH. “This collaboration with Magnetic 3D represents a significant step toward more intuitive and immersive tools that will improve diagnostics, education, and ultimately, patient care.”

Together, researchers, educators, and medical students, at RMJMS and Magnetic 3D will make new tools available to clinicians, powered by Artificial Intelligence.

“We are excited to collaborate with Rutgers and contribute to the next wave of healthcare innovation and the development of holographic educational solutions,” said Thomas Zerega, Founder and CEO of Magnetic 3D. He added, “We imagine a future where glasses-free 3D imaging and holographic AI agents elevate education, enhance communication, and ultimately deliver better patient outcomes across the healthcare system.”

As a result of this collaboration, RWJMS and Magnetic 3D will also work together to secure capital supporting these endeavors. Magnetic 3D previously installed its technology at the Center for Innovation, a joint program of RWJMS and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital an RWJBarnabas Health facility, a teaching hospital where students have access to Magnetic 3D’s glasses-free 3D technology for medical research and innovation.

To learn more about Magnetic 3D’s cutting-edge glass-free 3D displays, go to https://blog.magnetic3d.com/magnetic3d


The VR/AR Association (VRARA) Central Florida Chapter Appoints Julia Black to Board of Advisors

The VR/AR Association (VRARA) Central Florida Chapter Appoints Julia Black to Board of Advisors

The VR/AR Association (VRARA) Central Florida Chapter is pleased to announce the appointment of Julia Black to its Board of Advisors.

Julia brings a wealth of experience from the space industry, including seven years at SpaceX where she served as a Range Coordinator and Launch Director. Her commercial leadership builds on a distinguished 21-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where she began as a Weather Officer and rose to roles such as Assistant Director of Range Operations at Cape Canaveral Air Station and Director of Staff at the 45th Space Wing at Patrick Air Force Base. She later joined Stoke Space as Director of Range Operations and currently serves as Vice President of Advanced Programs at Space Florida.

“The space industry has been the focus of nearly my entire career, and I’m deeply passionate about creating new opportunities for our community,” said Julia. “XR technology has enormous potential to transform product design, operations, and training. The VRARA is the perfect platform to connect XR innovators with the needs of the space sector.”

John Cunningham, President of the VRARA Central Florida Chapter, adds:

“Julia is a respected leader across military, commercial, and state government space initiatives. She understands the intersection of emerging technologies and mission-critical operations. We’re honored to welcome her to our Board and look forward to collaborating on new ways for our members to support and accelerate the space industry through VR and AR.”

Julia’s Linkedin profile can be found here

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-black-64b20998/

Learn more: VR/AR Association (VRARA) Central Florida Chapter

We’re thrilled to announce that Nathan Pettyjohn, President & CEO of the VR/AR Association (#VRARA), will be taking the stage at R-CON: Digital Twins

🚨 Exciting Speaker Alert! 🚨

We’re thrilled to announce that Nathan Pettyjohn, President & CEO of the VR/AR Association (#VRARA), will be taking the stage at R-CON: Digital Twins in Orlando, FL — one of the premier events shaping the future of spatial computing and digital twin technology.

Nathan is a global thought leader driving innovation across enterprise XR, spatial data, and AI. At R-CON, he’ll be joining other top voices to share insights on how immersive technology is transforming how we build, design, and connect our physical and digital worlds.

🗓 R-CON: Digital Twins
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – Orlando, FL
📅 Two immersive days of keynotes, tech showcases, and high-level networking

Hosted by the Reality Capture Network (RCN), this event brings together industry innovators from AEC, defense, infrastructure, and smart cities — all focused on unleashing the full potential of digital twins.

💡 With the global digital twin market set to surpass $46 billion by 2031, this event couldn’t come at a better time.

Join us and hear from Nathan Pettyjohn and many other industry leaders including:
🔹 Dr. Michael Grieves (Digital Twin Institute)
🔹 Michael Hotaling (ExxonMobil)
🔹 Kelly Watt (DFW Airport)
🔹 John Brown (General Motors)
🔹 Marc Goldman (Esri)

🎟 Don’t miss your chance to connect with visionaries, experience live demos, and shape the future of digital transformation.

👉 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g4vZAt2r

#VRARA #RCON #DigitalTwins #XR #ImmersiveTech #SmartCities #Innovation #NathanPettyjohn

The VRARA is pleased to announce that Sascha Goto has been appointed as Operations Director of the VR/AR Association (VRARA) Central Florida Chapter and will join the chapter Advisory Board

The VRARA is pleased to announce that Sascha Goto has been appointed as Operations Director of the VR/AR Association (VRARA) Central Florida Chapter and will join the chapter Advisory Board.  

Sascha has been in the digital technology and XR industry for 25 years and has worked for companies such as McKinsey & Company and Magic Leap. He has held roles in nearly all areas of product management, solutions management and user experience management.  He is truly passionate about the XR industry and helping to develop the XR ecosystem through the VR/AR Association and will be a tremendous asset to the VRARA community.   

According to Sasch Goto “XR is more than a technological evolution: it’s a transformative shift in how we experience learning, work, and connection. Central Florida, with its unique blend of creative industries, simulation expertise, and academic research, is perfectly positioned to lead this change. The VR/AR Association plays a pivotal role by uniting innovators, educators, and businesses across the region to drive collaboration, foster talent, and accelerate real-world XR adoption. Together, we can shape the future!”

John Cunningham, President of the VRARA Central Florida Chapter adds “we are grateful that Sascha has agreed to support our Central Florida Community and the VRARA globally to help us develop our ecosystem and to execute programs as our chapter Operations Director.  He brings a tremendous amount of XR industry and technology knowledge that will benefit our membership. 

Sascha Goto’s Linkedin profile can be found here
https://www.linkedin.com/in/saschagoto/

The VR/AR Association is headed to AWE 2025

🚀 Big news! The VR/AR Association is headed to AWE 2025 in Long Beach from June 10–12, and we’re proud to share that our very own Founder & CEO, Nathan Pettyjohn, has been invited as the Enterprise VIP Program Expert! 🎉

Nathan is a visionary leader in the XR space—Founder of the VR/AR Association, Applied AI Association, and CEO of The Immerse Group—with a mission to empower 80,000+ professionals across 50+ global chapters. From helping Fortune 500s integrate immersive technologies to pioneering the future of work through AI and XR, he’s at the forefront of driving innovation and transformation.

🔥 Catch Nathan at AWE as he supports enterprise leaders with strategic insight into XR adoption, business integration, and scalable growth. His work continues to shape how immersive tech is implemented across industries.

📍If you're attending #AWE2025, don’t miss the chance to connect with Nathan and the VRARA team—this is where the future of enterprise XR takes center stage.

Special DISCOUNT for our VRARA Members!
Email info@thevrara.com to get your tickets to AWE

#VRARA #XR #EnterpriseXR #AWE2025 #SpatialComputing #FutureOfWork #ThoughtLeadership #NathanPettyjohn #ImmersiveTech #VR #AR #AI

Elevating Immersive Learning. Advancing Real-World Impact.

VR/AR Training Committee
Elevating Immersive Learning. Advancing Real-World Impact.

Overview
The VR/AR Training Committee of the VR/AR Association brings together leading minds at the intersection of immersive technology, education, and strategic implementation. Chaired by Joshua Meah, our committee is designed to serve as a high-value resource for members and partners advancing enterprise and institutional training through extended reality.

Our mission is to establish world-class standards, accelerate real-world adoption, and create frameworks for scalable success across sectors including defense, healthcare, workforce development, and education.

Core Program Areas

1. Thought Leadership
We publish periodic whitepapers offering cutting-edge insights into immersive training design, deployment, and measurement. These publications synthesize member contributions, expert commentary, and real-world case studies—providing VRARA members with actionable strategies and authoritative perspectives on the future of XR training.

2. Government Contracting Advisory
As public sector opportunities expand, we provide guidance on leveraging Phase III and sole-source SBIR pathways for XR-based training solutions. Our sessions cover legal methodologies, technology transfer strategies, and how to secure long-term government partners. Through our strategic network, we also facilitate introductions to prospective public buyers and defense partners.

3. XR Training Best Practices & Demonstrations
Every month, one of our two sessions is dedicated to showcasing novel training models and instructional approaches—from gamified simulations to AI-personalized learning environments. We feature guest speakers, live demonstrations, and curated best practices to ensure our members remain at the forefront of effective, measurable XR training.

4. Industry Collaboration and Strategic Networking
Our committee operates as a catalyst for cross-sector collaboration. Whether connecting developers with integrators, or educators with procurement officers, we facilitate the partnerships that turn immersive vision into measurable outcomes.

Joshua Meah
josh@joshmeah.com
Chair of Training Committee



Vivaldi has been Nominated for an AUGGIE AWARD!

Hello World, we ONE Digital Consulting want to share something with U.

 We are deeply moved. Imagine coming home and finding out that #Vivaldi30 – The Immersive Universe of The Four Seasons has been nominated as “Best Education and Training Solution” at the prestigious #AuggieAwards for #AWE2025!

Today, we ask for just one small gesture—from you, our friends, colleagues, partners, and beloved community:
PLEASE! Give us a +1 on the nominations page. It only takes a few seconds—just log in with Google, no account creation needed.

Vote here

Voting closes on May 14, so hurry!!

This nomination isn’t just recognition—it’s a celebration of how music, art, and education can come together to touch hearts around the world.

What began as a dream to bring classical music closer to students and younger generations has grown into an international movement of emotion, wonder, and learning. Thousands of students have already experienced Vivaldi 3.0 in schools, events, and exhibitions across the globe with the High School of Music Reina Sofia and ONE Digital Consulting.

Over the past few years, we’ve built this experience together with the incredible musician Ara Malikian, with passion, dedication, and love—alongside an extraordinary team that believed in the magic of what’s possible.

Every student who listened, every teacher who shared, every family who trusted, and every friend who believed—this story is yours too. You are the soul of this journey.

Let’s keep inspiring. Let’s keep believing in a more human, inclusive, and educated society. And yes—we’ll see you at #AWE this year!

Please share this special moment with your network—your support means more than you know.

This recognition joins 5 other international awards we’ve proudly received in recent months:
Most Innovative Immersive Experience Tech Company 2024 – Spain, by Global Business Awards
Finalist for Best XR in Film & Experience of the Year 2024 and Winner of Best Cross-Media Experience 2024, by AIXR XR Awards
3 Wins at The Polys Immersive Awards NY: Best Immersive Experience, Best Educational Experience, and Best Entertainment Experience

Together, we’re making the future resonate!

#Vivaldi30 is available on Pico3Enterprise, Pico4Enterprise, and Meta Quest 3.

XRT Lands Marine Corps Contract to Prototype Next-Gen Maintenance Training System

XR Training (XRT), a leading innovator in immersive training solutions for the defense sector, has been awarded an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) to design and deliver a next-generation maintenance training suite prototype for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV). 

This award marks a major advancement in XRT’s expanding role in military training modernization and follows the successful fielding of 81 Wave Warrior ACV Driver Training simulators in 2024, which are now integrated into the ACV training curriculum and operational at locations around the world.

Under this new award, XRT will spearhead the development of the ACV Suite of Training Systems (STS) – a fully integrated digital ecosystem comprised of an Electronic Classroom (EC), Diagnostic Task Trainer (DTT), and Part Task Trainer (PTT). Together, this system will accelerate proficiency, reduce risk, and equip Marines with the technical agility demanded by modern amphibious operations.

“This contract is a milestone in how the Corps prepares its ACV Crewmen and Maintainers – not just for the fight today, but for the complex battlefield of tomorrow,” said Neil Levin, CEO and Founder of XRT. “By combining cutting-edge simulation, modular design, and deep subject-matter expertise across our team, we’re creating a training ecosystem that’s scalable, sustainable, and mission-ready from day one.”

XRT’s elite industry team includes:

  • Theory Studios – Immersive 3D modeling & virtual environments

  • Enludio – Instructional design and digital learning architecture

  • Talon Simulations – High-fidelity motion simulation hardware

  • Bubo Defense – Interactive defense systems integration

  • RedShred – Secure content and data management infrastructure

  • Direct Dimensions – Precision 3D scanning and model generation

  • Hatch Exhibits – Physical system fabrication and integration

This OTA empowers XRT and its partners to rapidly prototype and test cutting-edge training capabilities, free from the constraints of traditional acquisition cycles. With this flexibility, the Marine Corps can field tailored, scalable training systems that evolve alongside mission needs and platform updates.

XRT’s leadership on this effort reinforces its role as a force multiplier for Marine Corps readiness and innovation. The ACV STS program will ultimately shape how Marines learn, adapt, and maintain the next generation of amphibious combat power.

Want to experience our XR simulators first-hand?

Join XRT April 29 - May 1 at Modern Day Marine 2025, Booth 631, to see our technology in action and connect with the team redefining maintenance training for the digital battlefield.

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ABOUT XRT

Founded in 2019 by Neil Levin, XRT specializes in developing custom, end-to-end immersive training and simulation applications for the defense sector, having built innovative solutions for both the USMC and the Air Force – including the successful 2024 deployment of 81 Wave Warrior simulators for ACV driver training. These XR-based solutions are ideal for learning complex tasks, preparing for combat scenarios, and developing specialized skills that may be difficult, costly, or impractical to replicate in real-world settings. As a small business and client of the UCF Business Incubation Program at Research Park in Orlando, Florida, XRT employs rapid prototyping and strategic industry collaborations to ensure the final solution addresses every project requirement and is delivered on time and within budget. Learn more and connect with us at XRTraining.io.

Ohio University, HTC VIVE and Virtualware partner to accelerate Ohio’s manufacturing economy

The Ohio University Digital Enterprise Collaboratory (DEC) will provide advanced collaboration, engineering and simulation capabilities using immersive technologies.

Ohio University, HTC VIVE, and Virtualware have partnered to launch a new program called the Digital Enterprise Collaboratory (DEC), which will provide infrastructure to power new digital engineering and workforce development programs to support the growing demand for advanced manufacturing in Ohio.
The partnership combines Ohio University’s leadership in engineering education, HTC VIVE’s industry-leading XR hardware and software technologies, and Virtualware’s enterprise XR platform VIROO. The project will provide Ohio University with the technology infrastructure and capabilities needed to accelerate product development, research, and workforce development by enabling real-time collaboration between disparate university, industry, government, and Department of Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL) members using the latest digital engineering & immersive technologies.

The program will also expand Ohio University’s existing manufacturing training and certification programs to support the growing demand for new factory workers.

“This program represents a bold step forward in immersive digital engineering,” said Scott Miller, associate dean for Industry Partnerships at Ohio University’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology. “By integrating XR technology into our educational and research programs, we are preparing the next generation of engineers to think spatially, act collaboratively, and solve real-world problems. Manufacturing is Ohio’s largest industry sector that is contributing 17.5% of the state’s GDP and we need to prepare our local workforce for the new jobs in advanced manufacturing.”

“HTC VIVE is proud to be part of this initiative that puts immersive technology at the heart of innovation and education,” said Daniel O’Brien, President Americas at HTC VIVE. “With these new labs, Ohio University is positioning itself as a leader in Industry 4.0.”

John Cunningham, President of Virtualware USA adds “The state of Ohio is home to many manufacturers and will soon be home to new advanced technology factories being built by Intel and Anduril, who need an estimated 7,000 new workers. Ohio University has been asked by the State and manufacturing companies to find ways to help accelerate product development using digital engineering methods and to develop workforce development initiatives using the latest technologies. Our VIROO platform integrated with HTC’s XR solutions provides Ohio University with infrastructure that can be used for many different purposes and years to come.”

Ohio University faces a key challenge, enabling engineers, researchers, and end users to collaborate in real time and in 3D across its geographically separated campuses. Athens and Dayton, located two and a half hours apart by car, currently require physical travel for collaboration. While many end users, such as the U.S. Air Force and Intel, are based in Dayton, much of the University's research takes place in Athens. The implementation of the DEC is set to bridge that gap, helping accelerate research and product development.

The DEC infrastructure consists of two new laboratories located at the Athens Campus and at the OHIO facility in Dayton, located within the Digital Transformation Center (DTC). These labs are connected through the VIROO Enterprise XR platform and are equipped with virtual reality equipment and software tools. Users can collaborate, share projects, product prototypes, and even create digital twins in real time, either from within the labs or from remote desktops, classrooms, or homes. The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) operates the DTC and has partnered with Ohio University to develop and launch the DEC’s Dayton location, furthering the DTC’s mission as a collaborative innovation hub that drives innovation, fuels workforce development, and fosters cross-sector collaboration among academia, industry, and government.

The DEC will officially open on May 5 at the Athens Campus and on May 7 in Dayton. The Dayton DEC opening will be part of the evening event hosted at the DTC during the Dayton Digital Transformation Summit, a regional event focused on innovation and technology in manufacturing and workforce development.

Your Website URL: https://www.virtualwareco.com/news/ohio-university-htc-vive-digital-enterprise-collaboratory/

Uptale & VRDirect Join Forces to Create a Global Leader in Enterprise XR Solutions

Uptale & VRDirect Join Forces to Create a Global Leader in Enterprise XR Solutions

French immersive learning pioneer Uptale and German virtual reality specialist VRdirect today announced that they are joining forces in a strategic alliance. With VRdirect moving to Uptale, the collaboration brings together two early leaders in enterprise XR to create a unified global platform for extended reality (XR) at scale. This partnership combines strong market traction, highly compatible solutions, and a shared mission to make immersive technologies a central pillar of digital transformation in large organizations.

A Shared Vision, One Brand, Global Ambition
VRdirect moving under Uptale.io will represent the most comprehensive and international self- service XR provider available today. With a customer base of over 350 enterprise customers, teams across Europe, North America, Asia, and a combined solution trusted by industry leaders in retail, manufacturing, energy, and professional services. “This alliance is a strong signal to the market. In a rapidly evolving and competitive XR landscape, consolidation is key to building sustainable value - for customers, partners, and the industry at large,” said David Ristagno, CEO of Uptale. “By combining our expertise and reach, we’re not only accelerating our own growth, but also shaping a more mature, scalable, and reliable standard for enterprise XR globally.” Dr. Rolf Illenberger, CEO of VRdirect, added: “This is a move built on shared vision and complementary strengths. Technologically, commercially, and culturally, VRdirect and Uptale are deeply aligned. By moving under the Uptale umbrella, we’re creating a stronger international platform. Capable of meeting the needs of global enterprises even better and driving the next wave of immersive transformation.”

Benefits for Customers
The collaboration brings immediate and long-term value to enterprise clients. Customers will benefit from a unified support structure, even broader international service coverage, and an enhanced feature set – including collaborative learning sessions, ISO-certified security, stronger LMS integration, and AI-powered functionalities. With combined experience and expertise, Uptale will deliver an even broader and more responsive partner experience, while maintaining the intuitive workflows and flexibility clients have come to trust.

Strategic Focus on Growth, Scale, and Global Impact
While both Uptale and VRdirect have built strong reputations in immersive learning, training, and communication, the merger reflects a broader ambition: to create a single, trusted platform that meets the rising demand for scalable, secure, and easy-to-use XR solutions across the enterprise landscape.

The new Uptale organization will focus on:
• International expansion, with operational hubs in Paris, Munich, San Francisco, and Singapore
• Vertical-specific growth strategies, with tailored offerings for sectors such as retail, semiconductor industrials, and Education
• Investment in service excellence, including onboarding, customer success, and global support
• Partner ecosystem development, enabling deep integration with enterprise platforms and digital infrastructure

About Uptale
Uptale is a global leader in Cloud-based Extended Reality (XR) solutions for enterprise Training. Following its strategic integration with VRdirect, Uptale now brings together deep expertise in immersive training and the agility to deploy XR at scale. Headquartered in Paris, with offices inSan Francisco, and Singapore, Uptale supports global organizations in creating impactful immersive content—without technical barriers.

About VRdirect
The Munich-based tech company VRdirect (www.vrdirect.com) is an enterprise-grade, no-code Virtual Reality platform that helps large companies easily create, manage, and share immersive VR content for internal training and communications as well as external sales, marketing, and customer support use cases.

The VRARA is excited to announce that Joseph Nolan has been appointed to the Board of Advisors of the VR/AR Association (VRARA) Central Florida Chapter.  

The VRARA is excited to announce that Joseph Nolan has been appointed to the Board of Advisors of the VR/AR Association (VRARA) Central Florida Chapter.  

Joe had a distinguished 26 year career in the US Army starting off as an Infantry Officer our of college and culminating as a simulations officer having served as the Chief of the Army Modeling and Simulation Office and as a Deputy Director of the US Army Simulation & Training Technology Center in Orlando.  After retiring in 2021 as a Colonel, he joined Magic Leap where he led business development for the Defense and Public Sector. Joe currently works for a government contractor that specializes in training solutions. 

 “I was first introduced to XR technology when I worked as the Chief of the Army Modeling and Simulation Office around 2015 and knew immediately that this technology had the potential to transform how we train people, since then I have wanted to be involved in the XR industry.  The VRARA is a great place for people to get together and learn about the technology and the industry and to do business together and am proud to help the association and continue to serve our community.” 

John Cunningham, President of the VRARA Central Florida Chapter adds “Joe has experience both as an end user who has experienced how XR can be used to train people and as a business leader at one of the XR technology pioneers. He has also done something else remarkable to drive the industry forward. Joe wrote and successfully lobbied to insert language in the 2025 National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA) regarding the use of XR technology.   We are honored that Joe is willing to join our advisory board and support the XR industry writ large through the VRARA.   

Joe Nolan’s Linkedin profile can be found here
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-michael-nolan/


Scott Miller Appointed Board Advisor to the VR/AR Association Ohio Chapter 

Scott Miller Appointed Board Advisor to the VR/AR Association Ohio Chapter 

The VR/AR Association (VRARA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Miller, Associate Dean of Industry Partnerships at the Ohio University Russ College of Engineering and Technology as a board advisor to the recently launched Ohio Chapter of the VRARA..

The VRARA recently launched its first chapter in the state of Ohio in order to support the growing demand for immersive technologies in the academic, government and industrial sectors.  The VRARA is a member based industry association that is focused on immersive technologies across all industry sectors, government and academia.

John Cunningham, COO of the VRARA, “We are very pleased that Scott has agreed to help lead the Chapter and to support the growing community of technology companies, academic institutions, government agencies and industry end users looking to learn more about immersive technologies and how to apply them to their organizations. Scott brings decades of experience working across the state in nearly every sector and is passionate about finding ways to educate and improve business through partnerships and collaboration.”

Since joining Ohio University in 1999, Scott Miller has focused on building strong relationships with industry, government, and nonprofit partners to shape and implement programs that elevate and enhance Ohio University’s research and teaching profile. He currently serves as the Russ College’s point person on industry attraction and retention in strategic industry sectors including microelectronics, aerospace and aviation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, digital manufacturing, and autonomous vehicles.

“I am honored to support the VRARA and to establish the Ohio Chapter.  I believe that immersive technologies are transformative and applicable to all sectors of our economy and of course in education and research.  The VRARA's global network will provide our local members with access to expertise, new technologies and business opportunities.” adds Scott Miller, Board Advisor VRARA Ohio Chapter. 

Scott Miller along with the new Chapter President, Omari Hitson will be formally recognized at the VRARA Ohio Chapter Launch reception on the evening of May 7th at the Dayton Digital Transformation Summit, Learn More Here

We invite local professionals, innovators, and XR enthusiasts to join our Ohio chapter. Members enjoy exclusive networking opportunities, access to global events, visibility across our extensive platforms, and numerous resources for continuous learning and professional growth. To learn more about membership benefits or become involved, please visit our website or contact us directly at ohio@thevrara.com.

The VR/AR Association is pleased to announce that Emma Valdes has been appointed to the Board of Advisors of the Washington DC Chapter. 

The VR/AR Association is pleased to announce that Emma Valdes has been appointed to the Board of Advisors of the Washington DC Chapter. 

A lawyer by trade, Emma currently works as in-house counsel to a crossover investment firm, where she specializes in venture deal review for XR and related technology companies.  She is also a researcher and a published writer whose expertise spans the gamut of Metaverse technologies, particularly as they intersect with data privacy, cognitive liberty, decentralized governance, and constitutional rights. An active member of the VR/AR Association, Emma is a member of the Metaverse Committee, and served on the Enterprise VR Committee as an Editor and Contributor to its "Power of Immersion" whitepaper series, which aims to provide industry case studies and practical guidance to enterprise leaders.

“Through deep research, demonstrations, and conversations with the founders at its forefront, I have been privy to the full scale transformative power of XR, and am wholly convinced that immersive technologies will soon revolutionize our understanding of life, leisure, and the law. These last few years, I’ve been thrilled at the traction around these technologies in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area – not only in rates of adoption, but also its prioritization in recent policy, and revived prominence in investor portfolios. By serving as a board advisor to the D.C. Chapter, I hope to build a deeper connection with this budding epicenter, and I look forward to partnering with its leadership to support existing innovation and adoption in the D.M.V. and beyond,” says Emma.

According to Dan McConnell, President of the Washington DC Chapter “the use of XR technologies is expanding and becoming more ubiquitous and many organizations from startup to Fortune 100 as well as government agencies and academic institutions are looking to learn more about the XR technology and get involved.  As an active member of the VRARA at the local and global level, Emma will be a great resource for our current members and our XR community overall.

Emma’s Linkedin profile can be found here

Georgia Tech Joins Virtual Reality Augmented Reality Association

Georgia Tech Joins Virtual Reality Augmented Reality Association

The Georgia Institute of Technology announces its membership with the Virtual Reality Augmented Reality Association (VRARA) marking a significant step in advancing innovation in the fields of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Founded in 2015, the VRARA is an international organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among industry leaders, promoting innovation, and advancing the adoption of immersive technologies. As a strategic sponsor of the VRARA’s Atlanta chapter, Georgia Tech plays a key role in advancing XR throughout the global ecosystem.

As a leading higher education institution, Georgia Tech has been at the forefront of AR and VR research and development. The Augmented Environments Lab has pioneered immersive digital experiences since 1998, focusing on applications that integrate physical environments with digital augmentation. Additionally, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) has been actively exploring extended reality (XR) technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and research, including partnerships with the Georgia Tech Library, and its Center for 21st Century Universities, the Invention Studio @ Georgia Tech, and through efforts with faculty and student groups to explore immersive ER-based collaboration or co-design, the intersection of arts and XR.

“Joining the VRARA reflects Georgia Tech's commitment to driving innovation and supporting lifetime learners,” said Didier Contis, executive director of OIT Academic Research Technologies. “Our collaboration with VRARA will enable us to leverage our expertise in AR, VR, and AI to develop innovative solutions that benefit our students, researchers, and the broader community."

The Georgia Tech-VRARA partnership is also expected to bolster Atlanta's reputation as a hub for technological advancements and technological talent, aligning with the City of Atlanta’s dedication to attracting and retaining top professionals through initiatives that promote a diverse and competent workforce. The collaboration is also poised to create new opportunities for research, development, and collaboration, further solidifying Atlanta’s position as a leader in the tech industry.

“Georgia Tech is one of the world’s premier universities, and we couldn’t be more excited about our continued collaboration to drive strategic impact through innovation in the Southeast and beyond,” said Adam Kornuth, Atlanta Chapter President of the VR/AR Association.

With over 50 chapters around the world, the VRARA boasts a network of more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 organizations.

For more information about the Virtual Reality Augmented Reality Association, visit www.thevrara.com

Sony Electronics Releases Software Development Kit (SDK) Version 2.5.0 for the Immersive Spatial Reality Display

Sony Electronics Inc. has expanded the capabilities of its 3D glasses-free Spatial Reality Displays, ELF-SR1 (15.6-inch) and ELF-SR2 (27-inch), with the release of the latest software development kit (SDK) version 2.5.0. The Spatial Reality Display is a part of Sony’s XYN brand, a lineup of solutions that integrate software and hardware for the creation of Spatial Content. This SDK version enhances support for OpenXR and introduces new features, improving compatibility with the latest versions of various game engines, creating more powerful application development and viewing performance on the Spatial Reality Display. Download the updates here.

“OpenXR Control Panel” for Enhanced Software Compatibility

  • Strengthened application development collaboration, including enhanced support for:

  • Autodesk® VRED® 2025.3

  • Twinmotion 2025.1.1 and the Spatial Reality Display runtime version 2.5.0

  • NVIDIA Omniverse USD Composer 2023.2.5

  • Blender 4.2

The newly developed adjustment tool, "OpenXR Control Panel,” enhances options for adjusting viewpoint movement, depth, and three-dimensionality within applications developed by OpenXR-compatible software. It also simplifies the process of saving and loading settings, improving overall usability.

Performance Improvements and Compatibility Updates for Broader Applications

  • Support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) and DICOM formats for ELF-SR2
    Enables accurate color reproduction even for high-brightness and wide-color-gamut content in video production, allowing for more realistic 3D visuals. Additionally, selecting the medical DICOM simulation mode supports the color gamut standard for medical monitors as well as side-by-side video.

  • Improvement in 3D Rendering Quality for ELF-SR2
    The new facial position correction algorithm enhances the tracking performance of the gaze recognition sensor, resulting in improved 3D rendering quality.

  • Support for Latest Versions of Game Engines

  • Unreal Engine 5.5

  • Unity 6

  • Improvements in Unity Plugin Usability
    For further details and usage precautions, please refer to the user manual: 

https://www.sony.net/Products/Developer-Spatial-Reality-display/manual/en-us/

About Sony Electronics, Inc. 
Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs.

🌍 XR Accelerator Program Goes Global — Final Info Session April 22!

Important update about the XR Accelerator Program, now open to startups and SMEs worldwide that build VR, AR, MR, and WebXR using Unity, Unreal, WebXR, or other platforms. 

The program is designed to support companies with a TRL 5+ prototype (Proof of Concept) looking to grow, validate in the Canadian market, and access industry mentorship, business development support, and Demo Day exposure.

What's New:

  • Global eligibility is now in place

  • Funding details for Southern Ontario & international applicants

  • Application and optional program fee info clearly listed

  • Unity Pro license available at a discounted rate

  • All updates are now reflected in the application form and on the website

Final Info Session – April 22 at 10:00 AM EST

Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
Apply or learn more: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/661dba10f7d64c35b1afe533344521e6

Virtuix Joins the Virtual Reality Augmented Reality Association

AUSTIN, TEXAS (April 1, 2025) - Virtuix, the developer of the “Omni One” full-body VR system, is proud to announce that it has joined the Virtual Reality Augmented Reality Association (VRARA). The virtual and augmented reality market is expected to exceed $58 billion by 2028. With their VRARA membership, Virtuix is thrilled to stay at the forefront of VR/AR developments for entertainment, enterprise, and defense.

Virtuix recently revealed “Omni Mission Trainer” (OMT), its first product designed for the defense industry. OMT is a mixed-reality training system using 15 omni-directional treadmills that let up to 15 soldiers move physically — walking, running, jumping, and kneeling — without boundaries inside a fully immersive, 360-degree virtual reality environment while using their actual weapons and equipment. Dismounted soldiers, including infantry and special forces, can train together virtually for a range of scenarios, including mission rehearsal, close-quarters battle, and move-shoot-communicate drills.

[VIDEO: https://youtu.be/vZALkwE-aSE]

Virtuix is collaborating with YokoWERX, an innovation cell of the U.S. Air Force, who has already purchased two single-user OMT stations.

“The OMT system is set to revolutionize the military training landscape,” said Adrian Sinclair, COO at YokoWERX. “We look forward to collaborating on the development of this groundbreaking system and pushing the boundaries of military readiness.”

Exclusively for VRARA members, Virtuix is offering free shipping with the purchase of an Omni One system. Use code “VRARA” during checkout prior to April 30, 2025, at www.virtuix.com/omni.

Virtuix is currently offering an investment opportunity through StartEngine to become a shareholder in in the company alongside its big-name investors like Mark Cuban and Scout Ventures. For more information about Virtuix’s investment opportunity, visit https://invest.virtuix.com

About Virtuix:

Virtuix Inc. is the developer of “Omni,” the premier brand of omni-directional treadmills that enable players to walk and run in 360 degrees inside video games and other virtual reality applications. With a commitment to innovation, Virtuix continues to push the boundaries of VR gaming and simulation, delivering immersive experiences to users worldwide. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Virtuix has raised more than $40 million from individual and institutional investors. For more information, visit www.virtuix.com.