Online Talk: XR devices on the International Space Station ISS

Our fascinating online talk took place on the 19th of june , highlighting the impressive progress and limitless potential of XR (Extended Reality) technology. Under the motto “Boundaries are there to be broken”, Fabian Nappenbach, Director Product Marketing HTC VIVE EMEA, led us through an inspiring session that showcased the future of technology and its applications from underground to outer space.

The historical context

Nappenbach began with a historical review of the remarkable technological breakthroughs of the last few centuries. In 1903, the Wright brothers made the first motorized flight, marking the beginning of modern aviation. A century later, in 2023, we experienced another milestone: XR devices were used on the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time. This technology has made significant progress in a short space of time and is now helping astronauts with the challenges of mental and physical health in space.

XR – A technology without limits

With vivid examples and exciting anecdotes, Nappenbach illustrated how XR is revolutionizing the way we understand human connections. XR enables us to overcome physical boundaries and open up new ways of learning, connecting and creating. Technology has the potential to shape a future in which the extraordinary becomes possible.

Broad fields of application

The event impressively demonstrated that XR goes far beyond conventional use cases. Nappenbach illustrated the many possible applications of the technology: from the entertainment industry and healthcare to manufacturing and collaboration across time and space. The examples of XR being used in unexpected places, including space travel, were particularly fascinating.

Mastering challenges

A key topic of the session was XR’s ability to overcome real-world challenges. Nappenbach explained how XR innovations are already being used to solve problems both underground and in space. He emphasized the role of HTC VIVE in the development and delivery of these groundbreaking technologies.