NHK Science & Research Technology Laboratories (STRL) announced on May 21, 2026, that it has developed a thin, light-field VR headset that reduces visual fatigue. It will be exhibited at “STRL Open House 2026,” which will be held from May 28.
exterior
A comparison of the appearance of the current prototype (left) and the previous prototype (right).
CG model of the internal structure
Conventional VR headsets create a sense of depth by showing slightly offset images to the left and right eyes. However, even when objects in the image move back and forth, the eyes’ focus remains fixed on the display’s position. This “discrepancy between focus and depth perception” is thought to be the cause of fatigue and discomfort. To address this issue, NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories has been developing a light-field type HMD.
A light field is a technology that reproduces the collection of light rays emitted from an object that reach the eye. Because it allows you to focus on the desired location just like in the real world, it is expected to provide a less tiring image display even during prolonged use.
In this prototype, we developed a new optical system that uses two types of lenses with different functions in contact with each other. Conventionally, an intermediate image was formed before magnification, requiring a gap of approximately 4 cm between the lenses. With the new optical system, we succeeded in delivering a 3D image directly to the eye without going through an intermediate image, and reduced the depth of the optical system by 79% compared to conventional systems. By combining a high-definition microdisplay with ray tracing technology that processes light rays at high speed, we have also confirmed the real-time display of high-definition 3D images.
NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories Open House 2026 will be held from Thursday, May 28th to Sunday, May 31st at the NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories (Kinuta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo). Opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free and no prior reservation is required.
NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories Open House 2026 Event Overview
| Event Name | NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories Open House 2026: “Pioneering, Supporting, and Moving Forward” |
| Event period | Thursday, May 28th – Sunday, May 31st, 2026 |
| Opening time | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry 30 minutes before closing) |
| venue | NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories (1-10-11 Kinuta, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo) |
| Admission fee | Free (no prior reservation required) |
| Official website | https://www.nhk.or.jp/strl/open2026/ |
This article is an English translation of an original Japanese article, translated by the Mogura VR editorial team.
Reference
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