The Extended Reality (XR) Laboratory develops immersive solutions using augmented, virtual and mixed reality (AR, VR and XR) technologies to support industrial and construction operations. The lab's focus is on providing operator training and assistance in complex work environments with the aim of improving efficiency, safety and ergonomics. 

The XR Lab designs, implements and tests XR applications to improve the interaction between humans and systems. Using digital models and simulations, the lab improves planning, operations and maintenance in manufacturing and construction. The lab provides an interdisciplinary environment that combines engineering, digital technologies, cognitive sciences and education. 

Its activities are supported by high-performance computing, advanced XR devices and motion-tracking technologies, as well as collaborative partnerships with research laboratories, universities and industry partners. 

Research topics

• XR applications for operator training and assistance: development of interactive AR, VR and MR-based applications to assist human operators in the manufacturing and construction industries. 
• Human-system interaction and ergonomics: investigating physical, cognitive and organisational ergonomics in XR-supported environments using eye tracking, motion capture and physiological sensors. 
• Digital factory planning and simulation: XR is used for immersive digital factory planning, layout design and process optimisation. 
• Digital twin development: integration of real-time data and simulation models for monitoring, prediction and performance optimisation. 
• XR-supported maintenance and safety: development of XR-based guidance and monitoring tools that comply with safety standards for use in industrial settings. 
• XR-based education and interdisciplinary training: development of XR-based training modules that use AR and VR headsets, as well as spatial augmented reality projectors, to support higher education and industry training. 

Equipment and technologies

• Mixed, Augmented, and Virtual Reality Head Mounted Displays 
• High-performance PCs and notebooks 
• Mobile 3D scanning devices 
• Ultra HD video cameras 
• Eye-tracking and motion capture systems 
• Digital health monitoring platforms 
• Digital factory planning and simulation software 
• Adjustable, XR-compatible assembly workbenches 

Main projects

The XR Lab is actively involved in applied research, industrial collaboration and interdisciplinary teaching projects. The following section summarises our ongoing research projects in the fields of digital twin modelling and extended reality (XR). 

• Smart Mobile Factory for infrastructure projects (SMF4INFRA). Joint Project between ETH-Zürich and unibz.  
• Industrialisation of a ‘Training Centre’ based on the use of Visual Management (VM) techniques supported by Augmented Reality (AR) technology for the training of operators and trainers for the set-up of complex machinery (AR-CO-4). Commissioned research project of the company Global Wafers (MEMC). 
• Industry 5.0 Driven Design of Production Systems for Improving Inclusion and Equality of Disabled Workers. 5th call for Research Südtirol-Alto Adige 
• Advanced MR Training foR HumAn-Centric ProductIon EmpoweriNg Engineering TalEnt (TRAINEE). Erasmus+ KA 2-3 2021-2027 
• Methodology and Didactics Education for Universities of Applied Science (MaDE-for-UASs). Erasmus+ KA 2-3 2021-2027 

People

Laboratory Head: Patrick Dallasega
Team: Luca Gualtieri, Marco Lanzone, Abdul Raheem, Andrea Revolti 
Room: BZ N - F1.1.30 
Contact: xrlab@unibz.it