Headset-Free AR/VR for STEM Learning

zSpace, Inc., based in San Jose, California, is an American technology company that pioneered a headset-free augmented and virtual reality platform for education.

By combining 3D displays, head tracking, and a haptic stylus, zSpace creates realistic and interactive learning experiences in STEM, career and technical education (CTE), and workforce readiness—while eliminating the need for head-mounted displays.

How It Works

zSpace systems use stereoscopic displays with circularly polarized light and integrated head-tracking. A stylus serves as an interactive tool, allowing learners to manipulate and explore digital objects in three dimensions. Recent models have removed the need for glasses altogether, enhancing comfort and accessibility.

Educational Applications

zSpace shines in environments where hands-on learning previously was impractical, risky, or costly. From dissecting virtual cadavers to operating virtual machinery, students engage deeply with concepts in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) and CTE—all aligned with standards and integrated into curriculum.

With offerings like the Imagine laptop for younger learners and the high-performance Inspire 2 and Inspire 2 Pro, zSpace caters to multiple education levels with evolving hardware tailored for different learning contexts.

Impact & Reach

Widely adopted across over 2,400 U.S. educational institutions—from elementary schools to colleges—zSpace has supported immersive learning for tens of thousands of students. Its award-winning technology has earned recognition from institutions such as Tech & Learning (“Best in Show”), Inc. magazine, Fast Company, and Time, cementing zSpace’s place at the forefront of educational innovation.

The company went public on Nasdaq in December 2024 under the ticker ZSPC and has since expanded its hands-on learning ecosystem through acquisitions of platforms like Blockscad and Second Avenue Learning, enhancing its AR/VR content offerings.