Jaron Lanier is considered the pioneer of virtual reality (VR). His work in the 1980s focused on developing VR technology and exploring its potential applications. Lanier founded the company VPL Research, which was one of the first companies to sell VR products. His contributions laid the foundation for modern VR experiences and popularized the concept of immersive virtual environments, showcasing the impact VR could have on various fields, including gaming, education, and training.