eXtended Reality (XR) Lab, Digital Future, University of Cincinnati

using eXtended Reality to solve real-world problems

Virtual Reality, Augmented reality, Mixed Reality, Metaverse, Digital Twin, AI

The Extended Reality Lab (XR-Lab) is a pioneering research facility affiliated with the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) and the Digital Futures initiative at the University of Cincinnati. Specializing in exploring human interaction within simulated environments, the XR-Lab leverages Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality to enhance communication and collaboration. It serves a broad spectrum of applications, including education, healthcare, safety, and professional training across academic and industry spheres.

Focus: The XR-Lab unites a diverse group of designers, artists, engineers, and scientists to craft XR experiences. These experiences are specifically designed to simulate DICE scenarios—those that are dangerous, impossible, counterproductive, or expensive to replicate in reality.

Objective: Our goal is twofold. Firstly, we aim to revolutionize living and working environments by integrating digital spaces. Secondly, we endeavor to develop and refine metrics for evaluating human performance within XR environments.

Methodology: We achieve our objectives through innovative technologies and methodologies, including the Metaverse, AI and LLM, IoT, Digital Twins, real-time visualization, animation, digital characters, and the development of serious games.

Projects: Our portfolio includes a wide array of projects that demonstrate the lab’s versatility and impact. These projects range from using XR to foster empathy and cognitive embodiment to visualizations in architecture, engineering, and construction. We have also developed training simulations for police, egress, and driving simulations, as well as healthcare and mental health training programs. Additionally, our work encompasses digital twin technology, biometric data collection via eye-tracking, human behavior simulation, and large-scale reality capture.

Through these endeavors, the XR-Lab continues to push the boundaries of how extended reality technologies can be used to create meaningful and impactful experiences in a multitude of fields.