Snke OS unveils medical-grade AR glasses for health care applications

Snke OS GmbH has introduced SnkeXR, a new medical-grade augmented reality (AR) platform designed specifically for the healthcare industry. The AR glasses, which will debut Nov. 4–5 at the Medical Device Innovation Consortium’s Medical Extended Reality (XR) Summit, aim to integrate AR technology seamlessly into medical workflows.

Unlike consumer AR devices, SnkeXR was developed from the ground up to meet medical-grade standards and regulatory requirements. The open platform design enables medical device manufacturers and research teams to integrate features such as surgical tracking, depth scanning, and high-precision visualization into their systems.

“The power of augmented reality to bring accuracy, efficiency and enhanced clinician experience to healthcare is clear, but legacy consumer AR glasses weren’t designed for use in the medical field,” said Nissan Elimelech, general manager of Snke XR. “SnkeXR fills this gap with a medical grade, open platform design that can be incorporated into medical devices for a wide range of clinical use cases.”

The device features a built-in surgical tracker with 0.3 mm marker pose accuracy, stereoscopic magnification up to 3.5X, an integrated headlight, and a depth camera capable of scanning surface anatomy or organs at 30 frames per second. SnkeXR is intended for use across various specialties, including orthopedics, neurosurgery, interventional radiology, and obstetrics/gynecology.

“We believe the SnkeXR glasses have the potential to make augmented reality an integral part of the healthcare experience,” said Stefan Vilsmeier, founder and CEO of Snke. “These glasses mark a step toward a future where technology amplifies human capability by helping clinicians see, understand, and act with greater precision.”

Advances in augmented reality for health care

The unveiling of medical-grade AR glasses underscores a broader trend of immersive technologies reshaping how clinicians visualize and interact with data. Augmented reality, once limited to training and simulation, is now making its way into operating rooms and diagnostic suites as an assistive technology for precision and planning.

AR’s ability to overlay digital information directly onto a surgeon’s field of view allows for real-time guidance during complex procedures. Instead of glancing at external monitors, clinicians can access anatomical data, imaging, or navigation cues directly within their line of sight, reducing cognitive load and improving workflow efficiency. Recent developments have improved resolution, latency, and spatial accuracy, making AR more viable for delicate interventions such as neurosurgery or cardiovascular procedures.

In medical education, AR tools are transforming how students and residents learn anatomy and practice procedures. By combining virtual overlays with physical models or cadavers, these systems create interactive, repeatable learning experiences that go beyond static images or 2D simulations. Hospitals are also adopting AR for remote collaboration, enabling experts to guide teams in real time from distant locations.

On the research and development front, the integration of AR with artificial intelligence and 3D imaging is accelerating the creation of digital twins—dynamic models that mirror patients’ anatomy and physiology. These advances are paving the way for more personalized and predictive approaches to treatment. As AR hardware and software continue to mature, medical professionals may soon rely on immersive visualization as a standard component of patient care rather than an experimental tool.