VR/AR Research Center: Conducting Pioneering Studies in Virtual and Augmented Realities
Arts et Métiers, a founding member of the Alliance for the Industry of the Future, is a higher education institution specializing in engineering and management for industry and research. The Laval branch of Arts et Métiers focuses on immersive technologies and 3D, with its research team creating the "iPerform" research chair on collaborative performance via immersive technologies and virtual worlds. The institution will be showcasing its offerings at an upcoming event on booth A52 from April 10-12, 2024. The team at the Institut Art et Métiers de Laval consists of XR researchers and engineers, boasting state-of-the-art technological equipment to develop interactive simulations and multi-industry immersive experiences for partners.
Arts et Métiers works in collaboration with research and industry partners to push the boundaries of innovation in research, applications, and technologies amid rapid technological advancement. This collaborative approach maintains the institution's expertise level and supports various European projects, both as partner and coordinator.
At the event, Arts et Métiers will present its services in research, training, and development, aimed at contributing to excellence in applied scientific research in France. The team will showcase work in progress on virtual agents and avatars, assessing technological acceptability in a training context, and the mechanisms used to support companies through collaborative projects and CIFRE thesis supervision.
The institute also offers Masters' degree work-study contracts for the Master's in Management of 3D Interactive Technologies (MTI3D), which trains experts in XR technologies capable of managing projects from beginning to end, and the Master's in Emerging Technologies for Education and Training (TEEF), which specializes in emerging technologies such as XR and generative AI.
Additionally, Arts et Métiers will promote its R&D and engineering services for companies seeking progress with real-time 3D technologies, offering consultancy, support, and customized studies across various sectors, including manufacturing, health, culture, sport, and training. The institute will showcase two products developed at the facility: Bimeo, an AR application for 3D scanning and reconstruction of parts, and Cycleo, a connected bike designed to help people with reduced mobility and senior citizens return to sport.
Arts et Métiers has made significant strides in the field of generative AI and virtual agents, with various ongoing developments and experiments aimed at supporting users in immersive virtual environments or mixed reality. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the world of VR/AR by providing powerful tools at every level of the chain, from inspiration and image generation to populating virtual worlds with 3D objects created from simple text requests, making 3D creation accessible.
Virtual characters in immersive environments are given increased spontaneity and naturalness through language models, allowing for more interactive and engaging user experiences. However, the industry must be mindful of its progress, preserving human connections, staying grounded, and being cognizant of the potential environmental impact of these technologies.
The baseline for the 26th edition of the upcoming event is "Act For The Future," emphasizing the importance of responsible innovation. Immersive technologies can potentially transform the world of tomorrow by addressing identified needs, promoting sustainable practices, and developing practical solutions that contribute positively to society. While cloud rendering and technological replacement may offer certain benefits, they must be utilized judiciously to mitigate potential negative consequences for the environment and human relationships.
Sources:[1] Arts et Métiers official website, 2023.[2] European Union Horizon 2020 project directory, 2021.[3] Institute for Partnership and Qualification (IQF) project listing, 2023.
Arts et Métiers leverages artificial intelligence and immersive technologies to develop virtual agents and avatars in the context of online education and self-development, aiming to enhance the learning experience.
The institute's ongoing research in generative AI and virtual characters is not only revolutionizing the field of education and training but also contributing to the development of real-time 3D technologies for various industries.
