Jaron Lanier founded VPL Research in 1984, the first company to commercialize virtual reality technologies including wired gloves and goggles. A polymath with a career spanning computer science, music, and social commentary, he transitioned from designing early graphical simulations to influencing the development of Internet2 and serving as an interdisciplinary scientist at Microsoft.
Early Development and Academic Path
Born in 1960 in New York City, Lanier spent his formative years in Mesilla, New Mexico. His academic trajectory was unconventional; he enrolled in graduate-level courses at New Mexico State University at age 13. During this period, he utilized a National Science Foundation grant to explore mathematical notation and digital graphical simulations, while simultaneously attending art school in New York.
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After creating the game Moon Dust, Lanier joined Atari, Inc. in 1983. Following the company's split in 1984, he collaborated with Thomas Zimmerman to establish VPL Research. The firm focused on virtual reality software and hardware until its bankruptcy in 1990. Lanier later applied his technical expertise to the National Tele-immersion Initiative, which conducted early tele-immersion prototypes between 1997 and 2000.
Technological Philosophy and Criticism
Lanier has authored books including You Are Not a Gadget and Who Owns the Future?, where he explores the intersection of human behavior and computing. He is a vocal critic of digital collectivism, which he once termed digital Maoism, and has debated the limits of cybernetic totalism. His writing often addresses how software limitations impact overall productivity and technological growth.
Musical Pursuits
Beyond his work in computer science, Lanier is a pianist and musician who maintains a collection of one to two thousand rare instruments. His 1994 acoustic album, Instruments of Change, highlights his interest in non-Western music, utilizing traditional wind and string instruments like the khene and esraj. In 2007, he collaborated with Mario Grigorov on the soundtrack for the documentary The Third Wave.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, New York City
- Primary Fields: Computer science, music
- Notable Employer: Microsoft (2006-present)
- Early Company: VPL Research (1984-1990)
- Award: Peace Prize of the German Publishers' and Booksellers' Association (2014)
- Award: Goldsmith Book Prize (2014)
- Significant Work: Who Owns the Future?
- Education: New Mexico State University
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of VPL Research?
It was the first company to sell virtual reality equipment such as wired gloves and goggles.
Does Jaron Lanier work primarily in technology?
He maintains an interdisciplinary career as a computer scientist, composer, musician, and writer.
Achievements
- Notable work: Who Owns the Future?
- Notable work: You Are Not a Gadget
- Affiliated with Columbia University, Atari, Inc. and VPL Research
- Educated at New Mexico State University
- Worked as computer scientist, composer and programmer