XR Lab

Located in EHS 131, CMU's XR Lab features 6 bays and 8 systems with top-tier technology for a truly unmatched experience. Each bay is equipped with Varjo XR-4 open-source headset. We are ready to work with staff and faculty on collaborative projects  and provide open hours for current CMU students. Visit this state-of-the-art center to experience a new reality and explore what possibilities await. 

What is an XR Lab?

If you’re not familiar with the terms Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Extended Reality (XR), let’s change that today. VR is technology that simulates a virtual environment while giving the user control over movement and aspects of the world. AR and XR refer to technology that overlays artificial images, data, or video on top of the real-world experience the user can see.

XR lab details

STEAM (package, more options can be added, and students often have their own accounts)

Current VR Software: December 2025

  • Steam VR
  • Unity
  • Unreal
  • Autodesk
  • Autodesk VRED
  • Maya 2026
  • Mudbox 2026
  • Revit 2026
  • 3DS Max 2026
  • Vectorworks 2026
  • Sketchup 2026
  • Epic Game Launcher
  • Blender 4.5
  • Cosmos (cbservice)
  • Chaos Envision
  • V-Ray
  • Enscape for
  • Archaid
  • Revit
  • Rhino
  • Sketchup
  • Veras-
  • Rhino 7/8
  • Motion Builder

  • Varjo Mixed Reality Headsets with:
    • 360 degrees of immersion. Pilot-grade 4K per-eye mini-LED displays with local dimming for clarity, contrast, and depth-perception.
    • Pass-through for human level realism - Varjo’s dual 20-megapixel passthrough cameras recreate the real world with ultra-low latency and industry-leading clarity
    • Deployment ready performance - Break free from the constraints of standalone headsets. The XR-4 Series works in tandem with workstations that tap into the power of NVIDIA GPUs to support completely unrestricted and upgradable performance in professional 3D platforms and software
    • A complete package for training and simulation - Engineered for long-duration use, each headset offers automatic IPD adjustment, glasses compatibility, and integrated DTS 3D spatial audio with noise-cancelling microphones for seamless communication 
    • NVIDIA RTX™ GeForce 5090 or PRO 6000 Blackwell GPU
    • Intel or AMD processor
    • Liquid-cooled, compact form factor
    • 2TB storage and up to 96GB DDR5
    • Ideal for XR, immersive programs, engineers, designers

How can I get involved?

Current CMU students

Stop by during College Make every Wednesday from 6pm - 9pm for a $5 fee. This fee is covered for Education and InSciTE students. Visit the link below for specific dates and to register. 

CollegeMake

Faculty and staff

Find out how you can partner with our staff to create an experience for your program or class. Get the conversation started by connecting with us through the form below. 

Get in touch with us!

A thanks for our donors:

The XR Lab would not be possible without the generous support of the Thomas R. and Iris B. Harrison Foundation, Inc.