ASTRAÂ (2025-2030)
Project Astra combines social adaptive tutoring with spatially aware procedural training to advance educational technology. We investigate how anthropomorphic AI agents support soft skill development through natural interaction and nonverbal cues. Additionally, the project creates mixed reality authoring tools that empower domain experts to generate training scenarios for physical tasks without programming.
TwinMaP (2023-2026)
TwinMaP develops digital twins for heterogeneous machine parks and manual assembly stations to optimize production processes within a large industry consortium. We focus on worker-centric smart assembly by creating adaptive work instructions that evolve based on employee feedback and real-time situational data. The project aims to seamlessly integrate human expertise with digital factory systems to enhance both efficiency and user acceptance.
ReqET (2023-2025)
ReqET investigates the use of eye-tracking technology in combination with virtual prototypes to optimize the analysis of customer requirements. In collaboration with the University of Kassel, we develop methods to objectively measure visual attention, aiming to increase the precision, reliability, and richness of requirement elicitation compared to standard interview techniques.
Sidekick (2022-2027)
Sidekick develops a digital assistance system to support workers in sheltered workshops during manual assembly tasks. We develop and investigate accessible, affordable hardware solutions and provide open, easy-to-learn authoring tools that enable staff to easily customize the system to specific requirements.
Future Skills.Applied (2021-2024)
Future Skills.Applied investigates how digital tools can improve study success and employability across Lower Saxony’s Universities of Applied Sciences. Our subproject focuses on the research of “Immersive Digital Practica,” exploring how virtual STEM laboratories can be effectively conceptualized and implemented. We investigate how these immersive environments function as valid alternatives to physical presence in natural science education.
ViRDiPA (2020-2023)
VIRDIPA researches the use of Digital Reusable Learning Objects (DRLOs) to facilitate the creation of virtual reality content for nursing education. We develop an intuitive authoring tool that enables educators to produce interactive 360° video-based training scenarios without technical barriers. This interdisciplinary project is conducted in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences Bielefeld, Bielefeld University, and Neue Wege des Lernens e.V.
DiViFaG (2020-2022)
DiViFaG investigates the potential of immersive virtual reality simulations to enhance practical and communicative training in health professions. We develop interprofessional VR scenarios (such as reanimation and wound treatment) that allow nursing and medical students to practice complex professional situations autonomously in a safe (virtual) environment. Furthermore, the project focuses on integrating these applications into learning management systems to practically facilitate teacher control and assessment.
Charming (2019-2022)
CHARMING develops immersive VR trainings for the chemical industry to enable the safe practice of hazardous or costly procedures. Our research focuses on creating interactive simulations for chemical operators, specifically addressing complex tasks like reactor operations that are difficult to train in real-world settings. These systems are evaluated for validity and effectiveness in collaboration with industrial partners such as Merck and Arkema.
Heb@AR (2019-2022)
Heb@AR addresses the challenges of the academization of midwifery education by developing an Augmented Reality training application to supplement practical midwifery skills training. We investigate the feasibility and acceptance of AR in medical training through five specific scenarios, including newborn resuscitation and preparation for C-sections. The project aims to alleviate physical resource bottlenecks in skills labs by providing location-independent and digitally enhanced learning opportunities.