iv4XR: Artificial Intelligence to test Extended Reality
The European project iv4XR brings together experts from 8 different countries, to research and develop novel ways to test Extended Reality (XR) systems using Artificial Intelligence (AI). XR systems are interactive systems such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), which combines real and virtual environments. These systems can be powerful tools for areas such as medicine (e.g. 3D imaging), entertainment (e.g. video games) and military (e.g. combat training).
The goal is to improve the testing of these systems in terms of functionality and user experience. The project is deploying tools that automate some testing procedures, reducing the current burden of user testing in the XR development process, which still largely requires human testers. It removes barriers from the state of the art processes and empower the development of novel XR systems.
Extended Reality (XR) has limitless possibilities to change both the digital and the real world. However, the development of XR systems is currently a big challenge, as is their verification and validation, which are key steps of the highly iterative development process.
The European joint effort aims to provide XR developers with intelligent test agents that will automatically explore and test their systems, searching for unexpected behaviors, usability concerns and helping refine configurations. Since user experience is an essential part of XR systems, this project also aims to develop socio-emotional AI in test agents to automatically assess the quality of the user experience.
This project is led by an INESC-ID team, coordinated by Rui Prada.
Other members consist of companies representing the XR industry: Gameware Europe Limited (United Kingdom), GoodAI Research SRO (Czech Republic), Thales SIX GTS and Thales AVS (France); universities: Universiteit Utrecht (Netherlands) Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain) and Umeå Universitet (Sweden); and the research institute Fondazione Bruno Kessler (Italy). The team combines decades of expertise in advanced interactive systems, AI, and software engineering and testing, and XR development.
For more information: iv4xr-project.eu | Twitter: @iv4xr
Upcoming Events
OLISSIPO Workshop: “How to design a graphical abstract” with Dr. Rita Félix (CNC-UC)
On April 19, the OLISSIPO project will host an 8-hour workshop titled “How to design a graphical abstract” with Dr. Rita Félix, a science communicator, illustrator and designer from CNC Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (Coimbra, Portugal). Registration is free and seating is limited.
Registration Deadline: April 5 | Register here (free but mandatory)
Date & Time: April 19, 09h00-18h00 ( 8-hours)
Where: INESC-ID, R. Alves Redol 9, 1000-029 Lisboa | Room 9 (Auditorium), Ground Floor
Summary: “How to design a graphical abstract” Workshop aims to explain what a graphical abstract is, and give you design tools and tips on how to create a better, clear and engaging graphical abstract. This workshop is tailored to give you tools and improve your graphical abstract, without having to learn how to use a new software program (like Adobe Illustrator). Bring your graphical abstract, share it with the class, work on it and take home a new version.
Short Bio: Rita Félix is a science communicator, illustrator and designer, with life sciences research experience. Currently working as the Institutional Communication Manager and Designer at CNC-UC. She completed her PhD in Neuroscience in 2020, in the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme. After that, she enrolled in a Digital Illustration Specialization Course to further develop her visualization and design skills. Worked as a Scientific Graphic Designer at Science Crunchers, a science communication company, where she developed multiple graphical abstracts, article figures, infographics, diagrams, illustrations, visual identity, logos and webdesign for companies, scientific institutions and Horizon 2020 consortia. More information at https://ritallfelix.wixsite.com/portfolio .
INESC-ID talk: “Rise of the AI-Empowered End User Software Engineer” by Ed Ayers and Andy Gordon (Cogna)
On April 19, INESC-ID will host a talk by Ed Ayers and Andy Gordon from the startup Cogna. The talk is titled “Rise of the AI-Empowered End User Software Engineer” and is organised by INESC-ID researcher Nuno Lopes.
Date & Time: April 19, 15h00 -16h00
Where: INESC-ID, Rua Alves Redol, 9, 1000-029 Lisboa | Room 9 (Auditorium), Ground Floor
Summary:
“What if natural language really is the new programming language? Inspired by the transformation of professional software engineering by generative AI, let’s take the next step: empowering end users. We can boost their productivity with hyper-customized software generated from natural language. This challenge needs research right across software engineering: requirements, architecture, coding, testing, verification, repair, and maintenance. We will survey current progress and open research questions in this exciting new area of programming language research.”
(Photo: Cogna website)