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VR Lab

Home to an extensive array of immersive technologies, the VR Lab serves as a research and testing ground for faculty and students interested in exploring the educational potential of VR, XR and 360° cameras in the classroom and beyond.

VIVE Cosmos VR Headset

The HTC Vive Cosmos is a Virtual Reality headset system. Virtual Reality, or VR, places the user in a computer-generated virtual environment that can be interacted with by a user wearing VR equipment including headsets, controllers, and sensors.
Cosmos stations are bookable.

Featured Experience: Mondly VR

Mondly VR is the world’s first virtual reality language experience with a chatbot and speech recognition. Practice live conversation skills in 30 languages including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian Portuguese, Russian, Dutch, Japanese and more.

Featured Experience: Virtual Orator

Virtual Orator is a virtual reality experience that creates the sensation of being in front of an audience. Use this resource to practice and improve public speaking, presentation and teaching skills in comfort.

Meta Quest 2

The Meta Quest 2 headset is a standalone Virtual Reality option that allows users to access virtual experiences from anywhere. Available from the Service Desk.

Ricoh Theta V 360 Camera

The Theta V is a 360° camera that allows users to capture one-click recording and photography in 4K, automatically stitching and processing the image on-the-go in various shooting modes.

Featured Experience: Visible Body

This Augmented Reality (AR) experience allows you to dissect 3D models of specimens and cadavers using your phone or iPad.

Access

Book a VR Station*

The VR Lab offers the MRU community a space to try out VR in a safe, supportive environment. There are a variety of experiences for you to explore. For instance, practice your public speaking skills in a virtual environment, design in 3D, or study human anatomy and physiology interactively in 360º degrees. The VR lab features the Vive Cosmos headset - a tethered headset that utilizes inside out tracking and operates through the STEAMVR platform.

Access to the MRU VR Lab is prioritized for current MRU Faculty, Students and Staff for the purpose of curricular (course-based), co-curricular and research activities. To access the space, you will need to book a station and complete the Waiver included in the online booking form. . Children under 16 are not permitted in the space. This includes the children or dependents of MRU employees or students. From time to time, we work with local schools and groups on teaching and learning initiatives; please contact us if you wish to explore this option.

1. Book a VR Station in the VR Lab

  • If you are a student, faculty or staff member, book a VR Station by logging in. 
  • You will have two options when booking. 
    • Basic Support (VR Station #1) - this type of booking is primarily a “self-service” booking for those who are familiar with VR and/or comfortable navigating the system using the VR Lab User Guide. Troubleshooting support is available if needed via the Library Service Desk.
    • Advanced Support (VR Station #2) - this type of booking is suitable for those who are not familiar with VR at all and would like more advanced support in using the technology.
  • When you arrive at your scheduled time, the door should be unlocked and you should be able to access the VR Station that you booked. If for any reason you are unable to access the space or your booked station, please see the Library Service Desk.
  • The space is small and each VR station is only designed to support one user at a time and there are only two stations. Any additional people will need to wait outside the VR Lab.

2. Review Quick Start Guide

3. Properly Use the Space

  • Food and drink are not permitted within the VR Lab.
  • Remain within the designated virtual reality area during your session.
  • Leave the door to the space open at all times.
  • Adhere to any instructions and supports posted within the VR Lab.
  • Only one person per station per booking (to enable greater accessibility one support person is permitted during bookings).
  • You may not download content on your own, instead connect with Maker and Media Commons staff or use this Recommend a Purchase form. 

*Access to the MRU VR Lab is prioritized for current MRU Faculty, Students and Staff for the purpose of curricular (course-based), co-curricular and research activities. Children under 16 are not permitted in the space. This includes the children or dependents of MRU employees or students.

From time to time, we work with local schools and groups on teaching and learning initiatives; please contact us if you wish to explore this option. It is strongly recommended that visitors who are not current MRU students, faculty or staff contact us in advance of their visit to confirm availability.

 

Other XR Technology

If you are interested in AR, MR or other XR technology, including 360º cameras, please connect with our Immersive Technologies Specialist.

Location

VR Lab

Home to an extensive array of immersive technologies, the VR Lab serves as a research and testing ground for faculty and students interested in exploring the educational potential of VR, XR and 360° cameras in the classroom and beyond.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Library staff, or book a VR station in the VR Lab during open hours. Library experts are here to help with getting started, answering questions or discovering new ways to integrate these technologies into classroom instruction.

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