XR & Robotics News | September 2026
September in XR and robotics: the key stats, new launches, partner news, and what's new in our LA lab. A 5-minute read.
HTC VIVE has officially announced that the VIVE Ultimate Tracker now supports third-party PCVR headsets that use SteamVR, significantly expanding its compatibility. Previously designed for the VIVE Focus 3 and VIVE XR Elite, the tracker is now available to users of other popular VR headsets, such as the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S, enabling enhanced tracking capabilities for a broader audience of VR enthusiasts.

The VIVE Ultimate Tracker is an advanced VR accessory that delivers full-body and object tracking, ideal for applications ranging from gaming to professional training. Equipped with two onboard cameras, this self-tracking device eliminates the need for external base stations or tracking sensors, making it a versatile tool for a wide variety of VR experiences.
Key use cases include:

Following a beta program that involved the VR community, the VIVE Ultimate Tracker is now fully compatible with SteamVR-supported headsets. Thanks to feedback from testers, HTC VIVE optimized the tracker for third-party devices, ensuring high tracking precision and seamless connectivity. This update offers an exciting new option for users of popular headsets like Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S, bringing high-quality tracking to a broader audience.

Setting up the VIVE Ultimate Tracker with third-party headsets is simple. For SteamVR-compatible headsets like the Meta Quest series, users can now integrate object and body tracking into their VR setup. A comprehensive user guide provides step-by-step instructions to ensure smooth installation and performance. You can find more detailed instructions on the VIVE Ultimate Tracker Support Pages.

For wireless setups, use the VIVE Wireless Dongle to connect up to 5 trackers to your headset, ensuring low-latency performance and seamless full-body tracking.
To stay up-to-date with the latest updates and developments, join the HTC VIVE Official Discord, where you can engage with the VR community and get exclusive news on innovations.
Whether you’re using the VIVE XR Elite, VIVE Focus 3, VIVE Focus Vision, or other SteamVR-compatible headsets, the VIVE Ultimate Tracker delivers precise, self-tracking capabilities to enhance every aspect of your VR experience. From gaming to professional applications, this upgrade offers new levels of interactivity and immersion.
To explore more about the VIVE Ultimate Tracker, visit Knoxlabs VIVE Collection or check out the VIVE Ultimate Tracker Product Page.
September in XR and robotics: the key stats, new launches, partner news, and what's new in our LA lab. A 5-minute read.
Senslove's R1 exoskeleton glove is changing how robots learn to manipulate objects by capturing force feedback data in real-world teleoperation scenarios. Unlike vision-only approaches, force feedback enables robots to understand the difference between a delicate touch and maximum pressure, which is critical for tasks like stocking shelves or handling fragile items. Discover how force data is becoming the missing link in robot training.
Apple's smart glasses, Snap's new SPECS, a $6.24B humanoid robot market, and more — Knoxlabs' roundup of the biggest XR and robotics news from July 2026.
FCC Public Notice DA 26-786 adds foreign-produced advanced robotic devices to the Covered List. Learn what this model-specific update means for new authorizations, existing platforms, robotics components, buyers and laboratories.