CSUN maintains a strong position in advanced technology with its innovative work in digital twin technology. Building on the foundation set in the Introduction to Digital Twin Technology article, faculty and students are now exploring new ways to transform industries through immersive innovation. From engineering to retail, these advancements are shaping the future of simulation and real-world problem-solving.

Extended reality (XR)—which encompasses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR)—has emerged as a cornerstone of digital transformation across many different sectors. This article highlights XR’s role in reshaping industries by enhancing operational efficiency, customer engagement, and workforce training, with insights from leading enterprises and research initiatives. 

Healthcare and Automotive: Precision and Personalization 

Advancements in healthcare utilize extended reality (XR) technologies for sophisticated surgical planning and training. Notably, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital employs three-dimensional anatomical visualizations and simulations to enhance these processes.

In automotive design, BMW incorporates augmented reality (AR) through Unity, a software platform for building interactive 3D experiences, to create immersive cockpit interfaces, including the anticipated launch of a 2025 Panoramic Vision heads-up display, which aims to improve driver safety and enhance the overall driving experience. Concurrently, Mazda partners with Unity to revolutionize human-machine interaction (HMI), emphasizing XR’s potential in prototyping and user-centered design. 

Manufacturing and Retail: Streamlining Operations and Engagement

Heavy machinery manufacturers like HD Hyundai Infracore employ AR inspection toolkits and AI-driven robotics simulations to optimize workflows, while Bosch Rexroth’s virtual showrooms reduce costs by replacing physical prototypes. Retailers like Gucci are pioneering immersive experiences (e.g., Gucci Prospettive), aligning with consumer demand for “try-before-you-buy” virtual interactions.  

These applications demonstrate XR’s capacity to merge digital and physical realms, driving sales and operational agility.

Logistics and Training: Safety and Scalability 

XR’s affordability and fidelity, enabled by LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a technology that uses laser beams to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps of environments, and multispectral cameras, is revolutionizing logistics training.

Companies like Travancore Analytics use VR for forklift training, improving safety and skill retention. Airlines have also adopted immersive simulations to upscale crew preparedness, reflecting XR’s broader impact on risk mitigation and workforce development.

Market Growth and Strategic Integration 

Analysts project that the XR market will exceed $1.9 trillion by 2032, fueled by e-commerce and industrial adoption. Some key strategies for growth include leveraging smartphone-compatible AR for accessibility and deploying Unity-based platforms for cross-industry solutions, as seen in Audi’s virtual showrooms. 

Academic Contributions: Bridging XR Innovation and Education 

As industries increasingly adopt XR technologies, academic institutions play a pivotal role in cultivating the next generation of developers and designers. At CSUN, Professor Vahé Karamian and the Computer Science Department are at the forefront of this educational mission. Through specialized courses, our students gain hands-on expertise in the technical and creative skills required to design and develop cutting-edge XR applications and digital twin systems.

Key Courses Driving XR Competency: 

• COMP 465/L (Computer Graphics Systems, Design, and Lab): This course centers on computer graphics principles, providing students with the skills to develop 3D models, simulations, and visualizations, which are essential for XR environments. The lab work highlights practical applications, such as automotive HMI design and virtual showroom creation. 

• COMP 485 (Human-Computer Interaction): Students investigate the creation of user-friendly interfaces for AR/VR systems, ensuring that user experience (UX) matches technical capabilities. The course tackles issues encountered in healthcare simulations, industrial training, and consumer-oriented XR applications. 

• COMP 585 (Graphical User Interfaces): Extending HCI principles, this course explores advanced GUI development, empowering students to create immersive interfaces for applications such as BMW’s AR cockpit systems or collaborative manufacturing tools. 

These courses emphasize project-based learning, encouraging students to tackle industry-inspired challenges, such as optimizing virtual training modules or designing interactive retail experiences. By integrating Unity, Unreal Engine, and other industry-standard tools, Professor Karamian ensures that graduates are prepared to contribute immediately to XR-driven automotive, healthcare, manufacturing projects and beyond.

Future Outlook

As XR becomes integral to digital twin ecosystems, its convergence with AI and IoT (Internet of Things), a network of physical devices connected to the internet enabling automation and remote control, promises deeper operational insights and hyper realistic simulations. Enterprises prioritizing XR integration today are poised to lead tomorrow’s innovation landscapes, underscoring its strategic imperative in the digital twin paradigm.

Bio

Vahé Karamian is a consultant concentrating on full-stack application and Digital Twin technology development, specializing in delivering enterprise solutions and platform engineering for training in Healthcare, Education, and Manufacturing facilities. Vahé is also a lecturer at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he lectures on Computer Graphics, HCI (Human Computer Interaction), Software Engineering and Software Management. Vahé is also the President of VRARA Los Angeles Chapter.

by Vahé Karamian, Department of Computer Science