Book excerpt: In the 1960s, electrical engineer and computer scientist Ivan Sutherland's work at the University of Utah resulted in a head-mounted 3D computer display. It was one of the earliest virtual reality-associated technologies. The tech has since progressed to offer everything from headsets to smart glasses to fully immersive virtual reality experiences, all of which aid engineers in efficiently modeling prototypes, streamlining design technology, and approaching other initiatives with increased ease and capability. Readers will learn about the history of virtual and augmented reality in engineering, related career paths, and the development and expansion of practical applications in recent years.