COLLIDE-XR Project Secures Funding for Cross-Atlantic Collaboration

At Blekinge Tekniska Högskola (BTH), we are thrilled to announce that our COLLIDE-XR project has officially been accepted for funding and support! This groundbreaking initiative is set to redefine the landscape of XR (Extended Reality) and AI technologies, emphasizing accessibility and innovation, all while promoting sustainable transformations in industries. By establishing key partnerships in both Sweden and the U.S., we aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge XR solutions and the real-world challenges industries face today.

“I’m thrilled about this project because it gives us a chance to forge new collaborations with industry partners on the cutting edge of AI, XR and spatial computing here in Sweden and the US. It is exceptionally well aligned with our recent infrastructure deployment, the Virtual Production Studio Lab (VPSL), as a fundamental application testbed.“ / Ryan Ruvald, post doc researcher in the project.

The Vision Behind COLLIDE-XR

COLLIDE-XR is more than just a technological advancement—it’s a movement towards making XR capabilities accessible to everyone. Whether through visualization, interaction, devices, or content, XR has the potential to transform how industries operate, how decisions are made, and how data is processed and understood.

One of the key challenges we have identified is the accessibility gap. For many industries, integrating XR into everyday operations is no small feat. It requires not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of human factors, context, and sustainability. This is where COLLIDE-XR steps in. Our project focuses on the four critical pillars of accessibility:

  • Visualization: We aim to make complex data and models more understandable and accessible. Whether it’s a 2D or 3D representation, or static versus animated content, our goal is to find optimal ways to present information for diverse users.
  • Interaction: The key to XR’s success lies in how users interact with the environment. Through physical interfaces, voice control, and AI-driven systems, COLLIDE-XR aims to eliminate traditional barriers by introducing customizable small language models (SLM) that enhance natural and intuitive interactions.
  • Devices: XR technology spans across different hardware, including headsets, screens, and spatial computing systems. Our project is designed to overcome the limitations of existing devices by integrating new technologies that increase immersion, usability, and accessibility.
  • Content: XR environments rely heavily on the ability to acquire, import, and customize data. COLLIDE-XR will leverage AI algorithms to quickly generate and digitize relevant content, ensuring that users have seamless access to key information and models.

By focusing on these four areas, we aim to build new bridges between Swedish and U.S. research and business environments, fostering cross-pollination of knowledge, expertise, and innovative solutions.

The Power of Collaboration

One of the most exciting aspects of COLLIDE-XR is the collaborative nature of the project. We are forging strategic partnerships with leading companies and research institutions across the U.S. to tap into their wealth of knowledge and technology. These partnerships will allow us to drive innovation and scalability on a global level.

We have already initiated contact with significant players in the XR and AI spaces, such as Gordon Bell of the VR/AR Association – Silicon Valley Chapter and Volvo Group Innovation Labs/HUB 335 Silicon Valley. Their expertise and networks will be invaluable as we begin the next phase of development.

Through these collaborations, we hope to address critical XR accessibility issues and create solutions that have a lasting impact not only in Sweden but globally. This project will also serve as a catalyst for future XR-related ventures at BTH, creating new opportunities for research, innovation, and industrial application.

“I recently started the AXESS project which aims to develop industrial XR tools and enable businesses to exploit their potential. This project will open up opportunities to explore new solutions and make them more accessible. It will fuel our collaboration with the industry by bringing in innovative technologies and fostering international partnerships.” / Giulia Wally Scurati, post doc researcher and project manager for the project.

A Sustainable Future Through XR

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at BTH, and COLLIDE-XR is no exception. XR and AI technologies offer incredible potential for promoting sustainable innovations across industries. By enhancing decision-making environments and creating more immersive, data-driven simulations, we can help industries reduce their environmental footprints and contribute to global sustainability goals.

Our collaboration with U.S. partners will also allow us to explore how XR technologies can be used to support climate adaptation, industrial efficiency, and environmental risk management. For example, data visualization tools developed through COLLIDE-XR could help companies assess the environmental impact of their decisions, while AI algorithms could make real-time adjustments to optimize resource usage.

Discussions in the Virtual Production Studio Lab

What’s Next?

With the first phase of funding secured, our next steps involve identifying key partners for the second phase of the project, where we will develop and test prototypes that address the four key pillars of XR accessibility. The future looks incredibly promising as we prepare to roll out XR innovations that will benefit industries and communities alike.

We are incredibly proud of this achievement and eager to continue pushing the boundaries of XR technology. Through this project, we hope to transform how XR is used in industries worldwide, making it more accessible, sustainable, and impactful.

Stay tuned for more updates on COLLIDE-XR, and join us on this exciting journey toward technological innovation and sustainable transformation!

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25 September 2024