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Australian Research Centre for Interactive/ Virtual Environment at University of South Australia world leader

Australian Research Centre for Interactive/ Virtual Environment at University of South Australia world leader
The University of South Australia's Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environment (IVE) uniquely combined computer science, industrial design, architecture, art and human factors.
Images courtesy University of South Australia

The Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environment (IVE), based at the University of South Australia’s Mawson Lakes campus, established itself as a world leader in advancing the use of immersive technologies such as augmented, virtual and mixed reality.

Formed in 2019, IVE was created from previous University of South Australia research centres and consolidated into a specialised hub exploring the use of immersive technologies, bringing over 20 years of knowledge and experience to IVE’s core services.

IVE brought together a team of world-leading researchers with a long and passionate history. It was led by professor Bruce Thomas, nationally and internationally recognised and valued by industry for his contribution to wearable computers, tabletop interactions, augmented reality and user interaction.

Uniquely combining computer science, industrial design, architecture, art and human factors, IVE applied a multi-disciplinary approach to solving challenging problems to help deliver new products and services. Its researchers were leaders in many areas of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) including wearable computing, interface design, empathic computing, 3D visualisation, perception, and telepresence.

IVE became one of the largest concentrations of augmented reality and virtual reality research in Australia. Its experience in advanced manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), interactive art and design for healthcare and defence allowed it to with industry partners from around the world that including Google, Saab, Amazon and Siemens. IVE also looked to solving large challenges for society with an approach combining its many disciplines.

An example of IVE’s work involved the Hunter Class Frigate shipbuilding programme in Adelaide contracted to BAE. IVE researched used of data visualisation to improve shipyard planning and problem solving to create a first-of-its-kind digital environment of the entire ship design and construction. The research focussed on how narrative visualisation and big data could deliver, reshape and refine highly-complex manufacturing generally.

IVE also innovated applying augmented, virtual and mixed reality technologies to improve individuals’ heath by enhancing existing therapies and developing new therapies and environments. IVE investigated computational and simulation for architecture, construction, and urban and regional planning. It also investigated the role of immersive technologies in conserving cultural heritage.

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