GausScape: Evaluating 3D Gaussian Splatting for Spatial Understanding in Greenhouse Environments
In greenhouse horticulture, operators need to monitor optimal growing conditions for crops. Wageningen University & Research (WUR), together with 2 SMEs, is investigating the following question: what desired and undesired effects does a specific 3D technique (Gaussian Splatting) have on operators' work processes, perception and decision-making, compared to the current technique? The insights from this research may also prove relevant to other sectors.
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ImmersiveValidMovement: Validatie van consumenten-XR voor verantwoorde fysiotherapie oefeningen
In physiotherapy, there is growing interest in using immersive experiences (IX), such as XR serious games, to motivate patients and help them perform exercises correctly. To this end, VerseUS Games has developed XR exercise formats that use the built-in sensors of consumer XR headsets (such as Meta Quest and Pico) to track patients' movements. However, it remains unclear how reliable and valid this data is for assessing clinically relevant joint angles, particularly in patients with complex shoulder complaints. ImmersiveValidMovement therefore focuses primarily on "new methodological approaches to measuring usability and effectiveness of IX". We are developing and validating methods to derive head, neck, shoulder and elbow movements from XR sensor data (headset and hand controllers) and to assess their reliability. We are not developing new IX software or hardware, but working with existing VerseUS games and consumer XR headsets. The focus is on measurement methods, analysis techniques and responsible use. In work package 1 (the first three months), we carry out the preparatory work. Together with physiotherapists (FlevoFysiotherapie), we specify which joint angles and variables are relevant for correctly performing the prescribed exercise (position, velocity, acceleration; within a global coordinate system and/or relative to body segments). VerseUS Games provides the XR environment and handles the technical work of exporting time-synchronised data collected from the headset. UMCG oversees the research protocol, arranges ethical approval, and provides the research labs needed to carry out the study. In work package 2, we then carry out the validation study, comparing the XR measurements against the gold standard (such as Vicon or Optotrak) available at UMCG. Reliability and validity are determined using methods including ICC, Bland–Altman plots, correlations and RMSE. Based on this research, UMCG will deliver a report on the validity and reliability of the VerseUS XR exercises, as measured by the sensors in commercial headsets. This report will form the basis for further development.
May I ask you a question? A large-scale experiment examining the effectiveness of a multimodal, conversational digital dietitian on nutritional knowledge in virtual reality
Dietitians play a key role in healthcare, but a shortage of well-trained professionals is looming. Wageningen University & Research is therefore investigating an immersive digital dietitian: in VR, patients learn about portion sizes, energy density and food preparation by preparing virtual meals themselves. The central question is whether the virtual dietitian's conversational abilities and non-verbal communication - asking questions, gestures, facial expressions - further strengthen the learning effect.
To what degree do interactive agents enhance the willingness-to-adopt IX?
IX environments have the potential to transform how people train physical, interactive skills - from surgery to team sports. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, working with movement scientists, IX developers and a user-experience designer, is investigating whether interactive avatars that physically respond to a user's movements can make XR training more engaging and effective. The test case is a football training exercise in which participants learn to make themselves available for a pass - with and without virtual defenders that move in response.
Ethiek verbeelden: bruggen slaan tussen analoge en digitale immersieve ervaringen
This project explores how analogue and digital forms of immersive experiences can reinforce each other within an educational context. The central research question is how human interaction, empathy and ethics can be preserved when traditional role-play scenarios are enhanced with digital components. The project aims to develop an integrated model that makes optimal use of both the power of face-to-face role-play and the possibilities of digital immersion. The previously developed IX 'De Lifetimer' serves as a test case for an analogue immersive experience in which participants use physical aids, such as name tags and simple props. This setting emphasises closeness, spontaneity and emotional engagement. The workings and impact of these low-tech elements are systematically examined in terms of immersion, imaginative power and emotional response. In parallel, the project explores how similar effects can be achieved digitally, for example through visual effects or immersive audio. These digital approaches are tested and evaluated through proof-of-concepts. Ultimately, the project will develop a hybrid bridging model that meaningfully connects the analogue and digital IX worlds and encourages exchange between the two domains. The intended outcomes include: a theoretical framework for hybrid immersive learning experiences, a series of proof-of-concepts demonstrating practical applicability, and a growing network of analogue and digital creators. In doing so, the project makes a concrete contribution to the development of responsible, future-proof immersive experiences in educational settings.
Enhancing Authentic Learning in Primary Care: Real-Time Immersive Experiences in Family Medicine Clerkships
Medical education also has high expectations of IX applications, especially given the staff shortages in healthcare. Students need IX to deliver a suitable and effective learning experience. That's why Maastricht University, together with two GP practices, is researching how IX can let students experience real patient consultations digitally and live.
Responsible Immersive Support for Firefighter Retreat under Unreliable Spatial and Communication Information
Firefighters retreating from a building operate under extreme time pressure, poor visibility and high mental strain - precisely when positioning and communication can become unreliable. The University of Twente is researching how immersive systems can make this uncertainty visible and understandable, so that digital cues support decision-making without creating false confidence or adding to the user's mental load.