Vikram Kapila, a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and a professor at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, recently sat down for an interview with IEEE Transmitter, a technology-focused media outlet. In the conversation, he shared his insights on the transformative potential of Mixed Reality (MR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR). He emphasized how these technologies are not just futuristic concepts but powerful tools that will shape our daily lives, work, education, and entertainment in the years to come.
The following is a detailed summary of the interview:
IEEE Transmitter: What is your research focus within MR/AR/VR?
Kapila: My work centers around leveraging image-based technologies to create natural and intuitive human-computer interactions. I integrate MR/AR/VR with fields like mechatronics, robotics, computer vision, and control engineering to develop innovative applications. These include educational tools for engineering labs, intuitive robot interfaces, and assistive technologies for people with disabilities, the elderly, and stroke patients.
IEEE Transmitter: Why are MR/AR/VR important, and how can they benefit society today and in the future?
Kapila: MR/AR/VR offers immersive experiences that engage users more deeply than traditional methods. They allow people to interact with digital content in real-world settings, making learning and training more effective. For instance, in education, these technologies support different learning styles and bridge the gap between physical and online labs. They also enable remote collaboration and reduce the need for expensive lab setups.
In rehabilitation, MR/AR/VR helps patients stay motivated by visualizing their progress and engaging in goal-oriented activities. In industries like manufacturing, maintenance, and construction, these tools enhance efficiency and accuracy through real-time guidance and visualization.
IEEE Transmitter: What makes your approach to MR/AR/VR unique?
Kapila: Our work stands out because we use common consumer devices rather than specialized hardware. This makes the technology more accessible and practical for real-world applications. It allows us to deploy MR/AR/VR solutions outside of controlled lab environments, offering flexible and portable options for users.
IEEE Transmitter: How can MR/AR/VR benefit researchers across various fields?
Kapila: These technologies open up new possibilities for researchers in medicine, space exploration, archaeology, and more. By integrating with AI, 3D printing, and computer vision, MR/AR/VR enables remote interaction, virtual simulations, and collaborative projects. Open-source platforms similar to Arduino or ROS make it easier for scientists from different disciplines to experiment and innovate.
IEEE Transmitter: What do you see as the future of MR/AR/VR over the next five to ten years?
Kapila: I believe MR/AR/VR will become more integrated with other cutting-edge technologies like robotics, machine learning, and 3D printing. This convergence will revolutionize education, healthcare, retail, and even everyday life. Imagine students exploring ancient ruins in VR or engineers collaborating on designs in a shared virtual space. The impact will be profound and far-reaching.
IEEE Transmitter: What else should the public know about AR/VR technology?
Kapila: The most exciting part is that we're living in an era where these technologies are becoming mainstream. They’re not just for gaming or entertainment—they have the power to transform how we learn, work, and connect with each other. As adoption grows, so will the opportunities for innovation and societal improvement.
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