A defining feature of MR is its ability to "understand" the environment—this technology leverages advanced spatial mapping and object recognition to enable virtual elements to interact realistically with the physical world. For instance, a virtual object can be obscured by a real piece of furniture or cast a shadow on a physical surface.
The most effective applications of MR include:
- Industrial Design: Visualizing products in real-world contexts
- Medicine: Overlaying diagnostic images on a patient’s body during procedures
- Engineering and Maintenance: Interactive repair instructions with part recognition
- Education: Interactive 3D models integrated with physical teaching aids
MR stands out particularly in scenarios requiring precise integration of digital and physical elements, where contextual awareness of the environment and natural interaction with both layers of reality are crucial.