Virtual reality possesses an inspiring power that can transport us into extraordinary realms. From immersive storytelling to virtual training simulations, VR presents boundless opportunities. The concept of virtual reality first emerged with the development of stereoscopic images in the 1800s. Stereoscopic photography involved capturing two slightly different angled images and presenting them side by side. In 1832, Sir Charles Wheatstone invented the stereoscope,
a device equipped with mirrors angled at 45 degrees to reflect images into each eye from the left and right side. By viewing these images through a stereoscope, viewers experienced a remarkable three dimensional effect. Stereoscopic later became the foundation for capturing images in films and 3D captivating audiences with an illusion of depth and enhanced realism. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, various stereoscopic viewers and cards allowed people to explore different places and experienced virtual
like environments. In 1968, computer scientist Ivan Sutherland created the Sword of Damocles as the first head mounted display, or HMD, though primitive by today's standards, it showcased the potential for immersive experiences by overlaying computer generated graphics onto the user's field of view. In the 1980s, Jaron Lanier founded VPI research, coining the term virtual reality by producing VR hardware and software.
Meanwhile, companies like Virtuality and Division emerged in organizations such as Disney, Sega, various universities and militaries extensively researched and experimented with VR. However, high costs and limited capabilities hindered the widespread adoption of VR technology. In 2012, Palmer Luckey launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Oculus Rift, a high quality, consumer oriented VR headset. This campaign success marked a turning point, reigniting interest in VR
and attracting significant investment from industry giants and independent developers alike. Since then, the VR landscape has continued to evolve. The industry has seen the release of various VR headsets such as the HTC Vive, Apple Vision, Pro, PlayStation, VR and updated versions of the Oculus Rift. Nowadays, modern VR headsets are able to enhance the sense of immersion and interactivity in VR by offering higher resolutions, improved tracking and advances in haptic feedback, motion controllers and room scale tracking.
As VR continues to advance, it has the potential to revolutionize education, entertainment, health care and beyond, ushering in a new era of limitless possibilities.