virtual reality

A presenter introducing the new MATS Centre during its launch
By  Adam Ang 07:03 pm December 16, 2024
Monash University has recently established a new centre for co-designing and developing assistive technology with people with disabilities, focusing on emerging technologies such as AI and robotics. The Monash Assistive Technology and Society (MATS) Centre, which started in 2023, is led by assistive technology researchers and social scientists from the university's Faculties of Information...
Person doing rehabilitation exercises while wearing a headset and standing next to a PT
By  Jessica Hagen 04:22 pm November 6, 2024
Therapeutic extended reality platform XRHealth announced it acquired cognitive training VR platform NeuroReality and its assets, including its main product, Koji's Quest. Boston-based XRHealth offers a catalog of immersive medical extended reality (XR) experiences focused on the physical and cognitive space, including symptom management, meditation exercises, upper extremity rehabilitation,...
Woman looking into virtual reality glasses
By  Anthony Vecchione 03:54 pm September 11, 2024
AppliedVR, an immersive therapeutics company, announced that Pittsburgh-based Highmark, a Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated health insurer, will be the first health plan to cover RelieVRx, AppliedVR's FDA-cleared virtual reality offering to treat chronic low back pain.  Eligible Highmark members 18 years and older diagnosed with moderate to severe chronic low back pain will be able to get a...
A nurse trying out a VR simulator at the Virtual Reality Health Lab in KD Hospital
By  Adam Ang 09:12 pm July 9, 2024
A nursing training facility in India has recently opened, which could be the first to be augmented by virtual reality technology. Healthcare VR developer MediSim VR has partnered with Kusum Dhirajlal (KD) Hospital to establish the Virtual Reality Health Lab.  WHAT IT'S ABOUT Located at the 300-bed multispecialty hospital in Ahmedabad, a city in the western state of Gujarat in India, the nursing...
Person using a virtual reality headset with their arms extended above their head
By  Jessica Hagen 05:28 pm April 23, 2024
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the launch of a new initiative, Home as a Health Care Hub, that focuses on using augmented reality and virtual reality to improve health equity by reimagining the home environment as part of a healthcare system.  The FDA contracted with an architectural firm that designs buildings with health and equity in mind to consider what will be needed to...
A virtual reality surgical room with patient under dressing
By  Trevor Dermody 03:53 pm April 11, 2024
Virtual training company Osso VR announced the launch of Osso Health, a surgical training app that will leverage the Apple Vision Pro to focus on common orthopedic procedures, such as carpal tunnel release and total knee replacement.  Osso VR is a virtual reality surgical training and assessment platform that allows users to practice surgical techniques, independently or with a team, in an...
Person using virtual reality
By  Jessica Hagen 01:38 pm April 11, 2024
New Zealand-based virtual reality and cognitive behavioral therapy company oVRcome announced it signed an international contract with the U.K.'s National Health Service (NHS) to help autistic individuals navigate hospital environments and social interactions. oVRcome, launched in 2021, utilizes a smartphone and a headset to deliver exposure therapy to adults and children with numerous conditions...
Healthcare providers in an operating room wearing an extended reality headset while standing over a patient
By  Dr. Liz Kwo 06:20 am March 11, 2024
Health is standing on the cusp of a revolution, and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are at the forefront, transforming everything from surgical training to patient mental health care.  The technologies are not just changing the game; they are redefining the playing field, offering unparalleled precision, immersion and connectivity. This article explores the...
Still shot of Headspace XR clubhouse
By  Trevor Dermody 01:00 pm March 8, 2024
Digital mental health company Headspace announced its new virtual reality app Headspace XR, which utilizes mixed reality and virtual reality to help users strengthen their mind-body connection through movement and breathwork.  The app, available on Meta Quest, includes mood-boosting games, one-on-one guided meditations and other techniques.  Headspace said in a statement it aims to reach a...
Healthcare provider wearing a virtual reality headset while touching a virtual screen
By  Jessica Hagen 12:39 pm January 9, 2024
Boston-based virtual reality platform XRHealth announced it secured $6 million in funding, led by Asabys Partners, with participation from NOVA Prime Fund and the company's current investors.  WHAT IT DOES XRHealth's platform allows patients with stress and anxiety, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and neurological conditions to connect with a provider via telehealth and receive recommended therapies...