XR Labs: Thirukumaran Saravanan on Spatial Computing and the Future of AR/VR
The digital world is no longer confined to flat screens. Thirukumaran Saravanan, Co-founder and COO of XR Labs, is at the forefront of the "Spatial Computing" revolution. By leveraging Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality (AR/VR/MR), XR Labs is transforming how industries—from retail to energy and defense—train their workforce and engage their customers. His journey, which began in the classrooms of Thangavelu Engineering College, is a masterclass in building a tech venture in a nascent, high-potential market.
Thiru's entrepreneurial path started in 2015, fueled by a fascination with immersive technology. "We saw that the next frontier of computing wouldn't be on our desks or in our pockets, but in the space around us," Thiru reflects. Along with his co-founders, he launched XR Labs to provide immersive solutions that solve real-world industrial problems, moving beyond the "gimmick" phase of early AR/VR to deliver measurable business value.
What is Spatial Computing?
Thiru defines Spatial Computing as the blending of digital content with the physical world. "It's about understanding 3D space," he explains. "Whether it's a technician seeing repair instructions overlaid on a real machine or a retail customer visualizing furniture in their home, spatial computing makes data contextual and actionable."
Industrial Impact: From Training to Retail
XR Labs has found significant traction in industrial training and retail visuals. "Imagine a defense trainee practicing complex procedures in a VR environment before touching actual equipment," Thiru says. "It reduces risk, saves cost, and accelerates learning." In retail, the company's solutions allow brands to provide 'try-before-you-buy' experiences that were previously impossible, such as virtually placing items in a home with millimeter precision.
Scaling a deep-tech company in India required persistence and a focus on educating the market. "Initially, companies saw AR/VR as a marketing stunt," Thiru notes. "We had to prove the ROI—how it reduces error rates in manufacturing or increases conversion in retail. Once the data spoke, the doors started opening."
Building a Team for the Next Dimension
Hiring for a specialized field like XR requires looking beyond standard resumes. Thiru looks for passion and a "Spatial Computing" mindset. "We want people who aren't just good coders, but who can think in three dimensions," he asserts. He emphasizes that the technology is evolving so fast that the ability to learn and adapt is the most critical skill for any new recruit.
Thiru's Advice for Tech Founders
- Start Early: Don't wait until you'text ready. Start while you are in college or early in your career. The learning curve is steep, and the earlier you start, the better.
- Identify the 'Why': Before you choose a technology, understand the problem. Technology is just a tool; the solution must solve a genuine pain point for the customer.
- Iterate Relentlessly: Deep tech takes time. Build prototypes, get feedback, and don't be afraid to pivot based on what the market actually needs.
- Focus on ROI: In B2B, you must show the value. Whether it's saving time or reducing costs, your solution must have a clear business case.
The Vision for Immersive Tech
Looking ahead, Thiru envisions a world where immersive technology is integrated into every aspect of our lives. He believes that as the hardware becomes more accessible, the demand for high-quality spatial content will explode. For Thiru, XR Labs is not just a service provider; it's an innovation lab dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the next dimension of computing.
XR Labs at a Glance
- Focus: AR/VR/MR solutions for Enterprise and Retail.
- Legacy: Pioneering spatial computing in India since 2015.
- Impact: Transforming training and customer engagement for global brands.
About the Guest
Thirukumaran Saravanan is the Co-founder and COO of XR Labs. A graduate of Thangavelu Engineering College, Thiru is a visionary in the field of immersive technology. He is dedicated to building scalable spatial computing solutions and is a recognized leader in the Indian XR ecosystem. Thiru is a frequent speaker at tech conferences and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs looking to break into the AR/VR space.
XR Labs is an extended reality (XR) solution provider that specializes in creating immersive AR, VR, and MR experiences for industrial training, retail visuals, and marketing. By combining cutting-edge technology with deep industry insights, XR Labs helps businesses enhance productivity and drive innovation in the digital-physical world.