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About XR

The formal definition of extended reality, or ‘XR’, is “an umbrella term to refer to augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR). The technology is intended to combine or mirror the physical world with a "digital twin world" able to interact with it, giving users an immersive experience by being in a virtual or augmented environment.” But to us at the Alternate Reality Initiative, we define XR as something simpler: the future. Whether it comes to gaming, learning, or simple interaction with technology, extended reality has the user experience so much more than just a 2D screen. Virtual reality puts us in brand-new locations, augmented reality builds on the space around us, and mixed reality combines the best of both worlds. If you want to see the impossible and learn the unreal, join ARI today!

Our Mission

We started the Alternate Reality Initiative to foster the next generation of extended reality (XR) innovators at the University of Michigan and in the Midwest. We host weekly development workshops, talks, and social events to help you explore, learn, build, and connect with virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technology.

Check out our blog for further details and tutorial walkthroughs!
 
Whether you’re an aspiring XR developer, or curious about XR, we would love to have you participate and learn something new!

Join us

ARI usually meets every Saturday from 12:00 - 1:30 pm in room 3358 for workshops and room 1400 (Visualization Lab) for game nights at the Duderstadt Center (2281 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109). 
 
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