AR/VR History

AR and VR feel new, but their roots go back decades. This topic walks through the major milestones using a simple timeline.

Early Foundations (1950s to 1960s)

Inventor Morton Heilig built the Sensorama in 1962. The machine played a short film with wind, smell, and vibration to create an immersive experience. Ivan Sutherland created the first head-mounted display in 1968. The device was so heavy that engineers hung it from the ceiling, and people nicknamed it the Sword of Damocles.

Research Growth (1970s to 1990s)

NASA researchers used VR headsets to train astronauts in the 1980s. The term Virtual Reality became popular through Jaron Lanier, a researcher who built early VR gloves and goggles. Arcade machines and early home consoles experimented with 3D headsets in the 1990s, though the hardware remained bulky and expensive.

The Smartphone Era (2000s to 2010s)

Smartphones changed everything for AR. Cameras, sensors, and processors became small enough to fit in a pocket. The mobile game Pokemon Go launched in 2016 and placed virtual creatures in real locations, introducing millions of people to AR at once. Meanwhile, the Oculus Rift launched a consumer VR headset in 2016 after a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Diagram: AR/VR Timeline

The Modern Boom (2020s)

Standalone headsets removed the need for a cable connected to a computer. Meta, Apple, and other companies released devices that mix AR and VR features into one product. Businesses now use these tools for training, design, and remote collaboration, not just entertainment.

Simple Takeaway

AR and VR grew through three stages: bulky lab experiments, expensive early consumer devices, and now affordable, wireless products. Each stage removed a barrier that stopped everyday people from using the technology.