What (who) is virtual reality - definition
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![IDL]]'s Center for Advanced Energy Studies in 2010](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/CAVE at INL's CAES 001.jpg?width=200 "IDL]]'s Center for Advanced Energy Studies in 2010")
![A [[Missouri National Guard]]sman looks into a VR training [[head-mounted display]] at [[Fort Leonard Wood]] in 2015.](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Engineers train in virtual environment to prepare for real missions 150616-Z-YF431-084.jpg?width=200 "A [[Missouri National Guard]]sman looks into a VR training [[head-mounted display]] at [[Fort Leonard Wood]] in 2015.")
![HTC Vive headsets worn at [[Mobile World Congress]] 2018](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Mobile World Congress 2018 (29129096677).jpg?width=200 "HTC Vive headsets worn at [[Mobile World Congress]] 2018")
![An inside view of the [[Oculus Rift]] Crescent Bay prototype headset](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Oculus Rift Crescent Bay Prototype (16383004719).jpg?width=200 "An inside view of the [[Oculus Rift]] Crescent Bay prototype headset")
![motion controllers]], demonstrating how astronauts might use virtual reality in the future to train to extinguish a fire inside a lunar habitat](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Reality check ESA384313.jpg?width=200 "motion controllers]], demonstrating how astronauts might use virtual reality in the future to train to extinguish a fire inside a lunar habitat")
![[[Smartphone]]-based budget headset [[Samsung Gear VR]] in dismantled state](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Samsung Gear VR (15060788240).jpg?width=200 "[[Smartphone]]-based budget headset [[Samsung Gear VR]] in dismantled state")
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![A [[VPL Research]] DataSuit, a full-body outfit with sensors for measuring the movement of arms, legs, and trunk. Developed circa 1989. Displayed at the [[Nissho Iwai]] showroom in Tokyo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/VPL DataSuit 1.jpg?width=200 "A [[VPL Research]] DataSuit, a full-body outfit with sensors for measuring the movement of arms, legs, and trunk. Developed circa 1989. Displayed at the [[Nissho Iwai]] showroom in Tokyo")
![U.S. Navy]] medic demonstrating a VR parachute simulator at the Naval Survival Training Institute in 2006](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/VR-Helm.jpg?width=200 "U.S. Navy]] medic demonstrating a VR parachute simulator at the Naval Survival Training Institute in 2006")
![AR]] system developed in 1992. Picture features Dr. Louis Rosenberg interacting freely in 3D with overlaid virtual objects called 'fixtures'](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Virtual-Fixtures-USAF-AR.jpg?width=200 "AR]] system developed in 1992. Picture features Dr. Louis Rosenberg interacting freely in 3D with overlaid virtual objects called 'fixtures'")
![NASA Ames]]'s 1985 VIEW headset](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Virtual Reality Headset Prototype.jpg?width=200 "NASA Ames]]'s 1985 VIEW headset")
Wikipedia
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Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that employs pose tracking and 3D near-eye displays to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world. Applications of virtual reality include entertainment (particularly video games), education (such as medical or military training) and business (such as virtual meetings). Other distinct types of VR-style technology include augmented reality and mixed reality, sometimes referred to as extended reality or XR, although definitions are currently changing due to the nascence of the industry.
Currently, standard virtual reality systems use either virtual reality headsets or multi-projected environments to generate some realistic images, sounds and other sensations that simulate a user's physical presence in a virtual environment. A person using virtual reality equipment is able to look around the artificial world, move around in it, and interact with virtual features or items. The effect is commonly created by VR headsets consisting of a head-mounted display with a small screen in front of the eyes, but can also be created through specially designed rooms with multiple large screens. Virtual reality typically incorporates auditory and video feedback, but may also allow other types of sensory and force feedback through haptic technology.
