At IMSH 2025 in Orlando, the Between 2 Simulators video podcast welcomed an innovative mind at the forefront of immersive learning technology — Dil Khaira, CTO of MXR (Meta Extended Reality). In an engaging conversation with host Jake Rahman, Dil shared his insights on the role of VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) in transforming healthcare simulation.
From his early work in defense training simulations to his recent developments in immersive learning platforms, Dil’s journey reflects a commitment to innovation, adaptability, and creating scalable solutions for healthcare education.
From Defense Simulations to Immersive Healthcare Learning
Dil’s career began in the early 2000s with Flagship Training, working with the Royal Navy to develop nuclear submarine simulators — a project that laid the foundation for his deep understanding of complex simulations. Over the years, he contributed to major organizations like BT Group, Babcock, and Lockheed Martin, gaining extensive experience in learning technologies and simulation design.
In 2014, driven by the desire to innovate, Dil ventured into developing his own platform — a move that ultimately paved the way for his current work in immersive learning.
Building a Scalable Learning Platform
One of the key takeaways from Dil’s experience was the need for scalable technology — a challenge that many educators and simulation technicians face.
“The biggest issue with immersive technology,” Dil explained, “is ensuring the content remains relevant and accessible, even as hardware evolves.”
He emphasized the challenges educators face when managing VR headsets such as the Meta Quest, HTC Vive, or other devices. Without a proper backend system, devices risk being underutilized, gathering dust on shelves instead of enhancing learning.
MXR’s solution? A robust platform that connects multiple devices, allowing educators to seamlessly update content, track learner progress, and manage equipment — a game-changer for large institutions dealing with multiple VR setups.
Simplifying VR and AR Adoption
Despite VR and AR’s exciting potential, Dil identified adoption barriers as a major challenge — particularly for educators unfamiliar with immersive technologies.
“Younger learners pick up VR devices quickly,” he noted. “But for those less experienced with technology, the learning curve can be steep.”
To address this, MXR developed a gesture-based interface, simplifying navigation for users unfamiliar with VR controllers. By allowing learners to interact using hand gestures instead of complex controls, MXR aims to make immersive training more accessible across generations and skill levels.
Curriculum-Relevant Content for Healthcare Education
For immersive technologies to thrive in healthcare education, content must align with real-world curricula. MXR has tackled this challenge by introducing a drag-and-drop content creation tool, empowering subject matter experts (SMEs) to build their own interactive scenarios without coding expertise.
“This tool puts the power in the hands of educators,” Dil explained. “Instructors can create customized content that aligns with regional healthcare standards, whether in the UK, the US, or beyond.”
This flexible platform ensures content can be adapted to meet the unique needs of various healthcare systems, reducing dependency on expensive third-party developers.
Interoperability and the Future of Standardization
One of MXR’s most ambitious goals is to foster standardization within immersive learning technologies.
“We’re developing an SDK (Software Development Kit) that will allow other companies to integrate their content with our platform,” Dil revealed.
This bold step addresses a major industry challenge: the lack of content portability. Currently, VR and AR content often exists in silos, requiring extensive adjustments to function across platforms. By establishing a common standard, MXR aims to enable educators to easily integrate content from multiple providers without compatibility issues.
Measuring Success: Analytics and AI in Learning
MXR’s platform doesn’t just deliver content — it also provides powerful data analytics tools to assess learner progress.
From heat maps that track user focus to adaptive learning modules powered by AI, MXR’s system provides instructors with real-time insights into learner performance. This data-driven approach enables educators to tailor their teaching strategies and offer targeted support based on individual needs.
“We’re developing predictive learning tools that adapt content based on the learner’s previous performance,” Dil explained. “This ensures training is personalized and effective.”
Harnessing AI While Mitigating Risks
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing healthcare simulation, but with innovation comes risk. Dil acknowledged the potential dangers of relying too heavily on AI in medical training.
“We must strike a balance between automation and human oversight,” he warned. “AI can enhance learning experiences, but real-world patient care still requires empathy, communication, and critical thinking.”
MXR’s solution integrates AI as a supportive tool rather than replacing human instructors, ensuring that content is both adaptive and instructor-led.
Real-World Impact: NHS Projects and Ambulance Training Simulations
Dil highlighted some of MXR’s exciting real-world projects, including a collaboration with the NHS to improve soft skills training for nursing students.
In partnership with Andover Nursing College, MXR is developing immersive scenarios designed to help students improve their communication skills, particularly when dealing with patients. These experiences are backed by analytics, providing instructors with data to track learners’ progress in developing crucial interpersonal skills.
MXR is also involved in an innovative ambulance driving simulator project with Greenwich University. This simulation tracks data points such as response times, decision-making under pressure, and vehicle control, ensuring paramedic trainees develop safe and effective driving habits.
Balancing Innovation with Regulation
As VR and AR technologies expand in healthcare education, Dil stressed the importance of standardization and regulation to ensure safety and effectiveness.
“We need regulation to ensure quality, but we must avoid stifling innovation,” Dil explained.
By promoting self-regulation and industry standards, MXR hopes to foster an environment where VR and AR content can evolve rapidly without compromising educational integrity.
The Unsung Heroes of Simulation
When asked about his inspirations, Dil highlighted the invaluable role of simulation technicians — those behind-the-scenes problem solvers who ensure simulation environments run smoothly.
“They are the real heroes,” Dil emphasized. “They constantly find creative solutions to technical challenges, ensuring learners get the best possible experience.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Immersive Healthcare Simulation
As immersive learning technologies continue to evolve, Dil believes the future will bring more collaborative innovations that merge VR, AR, and AI.
“We’re still in the early stages of XR in healthcare,” he said. “But by working together — industry leaders, educators, and developers — we can unlock its full potential and revolutionize medical training.”
Final Thoughts: A Conversation to Remember
Dil Khaira’s insights reveal a clear vision: immersive technologies have the power to transform healthcare education — but only if they are accessible, scalable, and flexible enough to meet real-world demands.
With MXR’s platform providing the tools to simplify content creation, enhance user experience, and track learning outcomes, the future of VR and AR in healthcare training looks brighter than ever.
To explore these ideas further, tune in to Dil Khaira’s full interview on the Between 2 Simulators podcast — where innovation meets candid conversation, and the future of simulation is brought to life. where the future of medical training is headed, stay tuned—because this is just the beginning.
Want to watch the full interview? Check out Raul Rodriguez’s episode on Between 2 Simulators, available now on SIMZINE’s platforms. And don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive conversations with the pioneers shaping the world of healthcare simulation.
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