Virtual and Mixed Reality Lab
The Virtual and Mixed Reality Lab in the MindLabs building provides a space and equipment to study learning, behavior, performance, movement and physiological responses in interaction with virtual, augmented or mixed reality. It facilitates research studies both with, and into, immersive (XR) technologies.
The Virtual and Mixed Reality Lab is located on the ground floor of the MindLabs building and was set up with funding by the Municipality of Tilburg. The lab is managed by Tilburg University’s Department of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence.
The type of experiments that can be conducted in the lab, are:
- User studies observing behavior and performance in XR scenarios
- Movement, affective and physiological monitoring during XR interactions
- Studies into learning, perception, and behavior using XR as a simulation tool to control the study environment
Facilities
The Virtual and Mixed Reality Lab provides:
- equipment for the use in VR/AR/XR research
- expertise and advice for conducting VR/AR/XR research
The lab-equipment includes the following:
- Virtual/ Mixed reality headsets (Desktop & Mobile)
- The lab is equipped with a variety of virtual and mixed reality headsets, including both tethered and standalone headsets. Some of the headsets the lab is equipped with includes Oculus Quests, HTC Vive, HP Reverb Omnicept G2, and Hololens. Our headsets may include high resolution movement, eye, and limb tracking.
- Physiological measurement devices
- A number of peripheric sensing modalities can be applied in XR setups. These include Electrocardiography (ECG), Heart rate, Heart rate variability, and Electrodermal activity (EDA).
- Motion tracking & Haptics
- Full body tracking is possible through the 6 camera Optitrack Flex 13 system. In addition, other systems are also available including high resolution hand tracking via Optitrack Manus haptic glove technologies. As well, hand and body haptic devices are available.
- Simulator and movement rigs
- Driving cockpit rig suitable for driving and pilot simulations. As well, ceiling to floor hook and harness setup suitable for training and redirected walking simulation.
Research projects
Some of the research currently taking place in this lab:
- Investigating mind-wandering while driving with a continuous virtual-reality driving task
- Flight simulator training in VR
- The use of VR in industrial safety training, and behavioral and physiological predictors of performance
- Evaluating ways to monitor and measure physical symptoms and responses to immersive VR using non-intrusive physiological measures, with a special focus on cybersickness and pain
- Memory palace / method of Loci memory training in VR
- Evaluating user experience, affective, and behavioural changes using subjective and physiological data in virtual reality
Intended users
The Virtual and Mixed Reality Lab can be used by Tilburg University staff and students and by partners associated with MindLabs. Use of the lab is only with the permission of the lab coordinator. In some cases, the presence of an authorized supervisor is also required.
Contact
If you are interested in using the lab and would like to discuss the options, please contact lab coordinator Philip Brown, via: vrmindlabs@tilburguniversity.edu.