Carnegie Mellon University
Hamburg Hall A-104  ›  Heinz XR Lab and Lending Library  ›  Schedule a Demo or Borrow a Headset

Heinz XR Lab and Lending Library 

Using the SIGN UP link below, dive into virtual worlds, augment your reality, and discover how XR can enrich your educational experiences. The XR lab, located in Hamburg Hall A-104, is equipped with Quest 2 and Quest 3 headsets. The lab provides a comprehensive environment for exploring extended reality technologies. It features a range of resources for VR/AR development, simulation, and immersive experiences. Additionally, it supports collaborative projects and research initiatives, making it an ideal space for both learning and innovation in the field of extended reality. Use XR for entertainment, meetings, demonstrations, and collaborative projects that unite like-minded enthusiasts and professionals in your field. 

  • XR Lab (A-104): If you’re new to XR, a 30-minute individual session is highly recommended to experience XR technology. A lab tech will walk you through a tutorial and explain how to use the headset. If you don’t want to check out a headset after your demo, you can schedule multiple sessions in the lab. 
  • XR Lending Library (A-104): Whether you’re a novice or an advanced user, information and videos are available to guide your explorations at home. The headset comes with a 'dummy' account and has apps already installed. See the "Home Use" tab on this website for specific directions on connecting to your home Wi-Fi. 
  • Career Services (A-008): Once you have an Ovation account set up, visit Career Services to use a headset to practice your skills (e.g., interviewing, public speaking, conversing with AI avatars to improve English proficiency). You can review the feedback yourself or meet with your career advisor to discuss it. Headsets are available on a first come, first served basis. They are to be used for 1 hour and returned promptly. To get an Ovation account, SIGN UP using the link below. 

Since this is a pilot program, we'll collect feedback and add more apps as our library continues to grow. Dive into XR and let us know how we can make your experience even better!   

Fun Fact

An industry forecast report shows that the XR market is projected to reach $28.6 billion by 2027. This is up from the $7.7 billion it was worth in 2020.

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Heinz Community

If you are a current member of the Heinz community (graduate student, faculty, or staff member), we invite you to visit the XR lab for a demo and borrow a headset. You must present your CMU ID and verify your program/department at Heinz. Demos are currently based on the lab tech's weekly schedule. As this pilot program expands, we will offer regular days/times each week with a more advanced scheduling system.

Others at CMU

If you're not a member of the Heinz community, demo and lending services are not available to you (yet). Once our Heinz pilot program is complete, we can share resources across CMU's campus. Check back for updates or contact the XR Lab Director, Kim Hyatt, at hyatt@cmu.edu for additional information about when you can utilize the Heinz XR lab. 

Sign Up: Heinz XR Lab and Lending Library (Heinz community only at this time)

DEMO: Arrive 5 minutes before your 30-minute demo to respect everyone’s time and prevent delays. If you're late, you'll need to reschedule. The lab tech cannot accommodate late arrivals.

LENDING SERVICES: Headsets are CHECKED OUT on Thursday (12:30 pm - 1:45 pm) and RETURNED on Tuesday (12:30 pm - 1:45 pm). Please do not ask the lab tech for "special consideration" to work around your schedule. As this pilot program expands, we will offer additional days/times. Please be patient. 

  • You must present your CMU ID and confirm your Heinz affiliation when picking up the equipment.
  • Once the headset and accessories (e.g., controllers, flex strap, charging cable/plug, case) are in your possession, you are responsible for them. If the headset is lost or damaged, you will be charged the cost of replacing it with a Quest 3, as repairs are not possible (see replacement costs below). If accessories (e.g., charging cable, plug) are missing, you will be charged to replace the item, plus a one-day late fee. 
  • If equipment is not returned by the date/time noted above, a late fee of $35.00 per day will be charged—no exceptions or refunds. 
  • You are welcome to check out a headset as often as you'd like. After returning, the headset will be cleaned (using the lab's Clean Machine) and inspected. However, it’s your responsibility to verify with the lab tech that all components are accounted for and in working condition when returning the equipment.

Please allow 1 day for the lab technician to respond and send you an invite for Ovation (a featured demo app) after you submit the form.

If you don't agree with these terms and conditions, you cannot borrow the lab's equipment.  

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Approximate Replacement Costs (excluding tax and shipping; subject to price changes): Please note that late returns or missing/damaged equipment will prevent others from borrowing the headsets. 
  1. Carrying Case: $38.99
  2. Controllers: $150.00 (pair)
  3. Adjustable Strap (Elite version): $29.99
  4. Headset: $499.00 (512 GB)
  5. Charging Plug and Cable: $14.99 + one day late fee ($35.00) 

Check Out (BORROW) Form: Lab Tech Use (Only)

Check In (RETURN) Form: Lab Tech Use (Only)