What We Do
EXPLORE XR
ARI serves as an entry point for students to explore XR. Because there are new XR applications created each day, it’s important that students also have a conceptual understanding of XR. This is why we begin each weekly meeting by discussing XR industry news. We also hold demos to showcase XR experiences developed by students and professionals.
LEARN XR
Since each ARI meeting includes technical and non-technical sessions, we welcome anyone to attend and learn more about XR. Through our hands-on XR workshops, students can learn how to develop experiences using software such as Unity, Unreal, Vuforia, and WebXR. During our past lectures, we have discussed topics such as future applications of XR, social VR, and XR industry trends.
BUILD XR
In addition to our development workshops, we're currently working towards establishing student project teams for the future. By attending our weekly XR workshops, students develop a solid foundation to develop their own XR experiences. Members can receive additional resources and support from ARI towards working on either their student-led projects, or faculty-led projects.
CONNECT XR
Our aim is to foster the next generation of XR innovators. ARI strives to connect our members to XR resources at the University of Michigan, as well as XR careers, internships, experiences, and other opportunities in the greater XR ecosystem. ARI hosted the first ever XR Midwest Conference in April 2019, and we also host social events and talks throughout the year.
Our Mission
We started the Alternate Reality Initiative to foster the next generation of 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.
Whether you’re an aspiring XR developer, or curious about XR, we would love to have you join and learn something new! We meet every Friday from 5:30-7:00pm in Room 3358A/B in the Duderstadt Center. Join our email list to learn more.
XR is an “umbrella term” that includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). These technologies simulate and alter the way we experience and interact with different environments. VR creates an immersive simulated experience that completely replaces the real world. AR consists of an image or immersive experience overlayed on top of the real world. Finally, MR refers to the entire spectrum between VR and AR technology.
Attend a Meeting
*Due to COVID-19 all meetings for the Fall 2020 semester will be done in our Discord server:
ARI usually meets every Friday from 5:30-7:00pm in Room 3358 A and B. You can find us on the 3rd Floor of the Duderstadt Center (2281 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
Join our email list for weekly or monthly updates!