Extended Reality

Strategic Research Area

VRAC research focuses on Extended Reality topics that are: 

  • Used across disciplines
  • Development of new graphics methods and platform capabilities
  • Experimentation with new hardware and software

Researchers at VRAC are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of XR technologies, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), to create transformative applications across diverse domains. Whether it’s immersive simulations for training and education, medical applications that utilize XR for diagnosis and therapy, or entertainment experiences that blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds, VRAC’s XR research is at the forefront of innovation. 

VRAC leverages state-of-the-art hardware and software, coupled with a deep understanding of human computer interaction (HCI), to develop XR solutions that are reshaping industries and redefining how we interact with information and the environment. 

Example research

Use across disciplines

  • Innovative XR solutions are being employed in fields as varied as healthcare, education, manufacturing, entertainment, and more.
  • XR applications developed at VRAC are enhancing workforce training and skill development. XR-enabled training programs allow workers to learn complex tasks in a safe, language-neutral,  and controlled virtual environment, reducing the learning curve and minimizing costly errors on the shop floor.
  • In healthcare, VRAC’s research is transforming medical training by providing realistic surgical simulations and aiding in patient rehabilitation through immersive therapy experiences.
  • In education, XR is revolutionizing learning, offering students interactive and immersive environments for enhanced understanding of complex concepts. 
  • VRAC is creating tools that improve interactive storytelling for the entertainment sector.

Development of new graphics methods and platform capabilities

  • VRAC is at the forefront of pioneering new graphics methods and platform capabilities. Researchers are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in XR by developing innovative graphics algorithms and techniques that enhance the realism, interactivity, and efficiency of XR experiences. Additionally, VRAC is actively exploring novel ways to leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence to create more immersive and adaptive XR platforms. This research empowers industries across the spectrum to deliver more compelling and effective experiences to users.

Experimentation with new hardware and software

  • VRAC is continually pushing the boundaries of innovation through extensive experimentation with new hardware and software technologies. Researchers are actively engaged in exploring and developing cutting-edge XR hardware, such as advanced headsets, haptic feedback devices, and motion-tracking systems, to create more immersive and interactive experiences. Simultaneously, they are dedicated to refining and optimizing XR software, including rendering engines, spatial mapping, and gesture recognition, to enhance the realism and functionality of virtual and augmented environments.