TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research) is at the forefront of developing Social XR (eXtended Reality) technologies, aiming to bridge physical distances and enhance human interaction through immersive digital experiences. By integrating Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), TNO’s Social XR initiatives strive to create realistic, real-time 3D environments that facilitate meaningful connections across various sectors.
What is Social XR?
Social XR refers to the fusion of XR technologies with communication platforms, enabling users to interact in shared virtual spaces. Unlike traditional video conferencing, Social XR offers:
Photorealistic 3D Representations: Allowing users to appear as lifelike avatars or holograms, enhancing the sense of presence.
Immersive Environments: Creating virtual settings where participants can collaborate, learn, or socialize as if they were physically together.
Enhanced Social Cues: Capturing non-verbal communication elements like gestures and facial expressions to enrich interactions.
These features aim to replicate the nuances of face-to-face communication, making remote interactions more engaging and effective.
Applications Across Sectors
TNO’s Social XR research has led to diverse applications:
Healthcare: Enabling virtual consultations and remote training for medical professionals, and facilitating virtual visits for patients in isolation.
Education: Creating immersive learning environments where students and teachers can interact in real-time, regardless of location.
Workplace Collaboration: Developing virtual meeting spaces that enhance engagement and reduce the fatigue associated with traditional video calls.
Defense and Safety: Providing realistic training simulations for emergency responders and military personnel, improving preparedness without physical risks.
Media and Entertainment: Offering audiences immersive experiences, such as attending concerts or sports events virtually with friends.
Research and Development
Since 2018, TNO has been conducting extensive research in Social XR, focusing on:()
User Experience Studies: Assessing how Social XR impacts engagement, concentration, and overall satisfaction compared to traditional communication methods.
Technology Integration: Exploring how to seamlessly blend XR technologies with existing communication platforms.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensuring that Social XR solutions are user-friendly and cater to individuals with varying needs and abilities.
Notably, TNO received a research grant from Meta’s ‘XR Programs and Research Fund’ to study the effects of Social XR in workplace settings, aiming to understand its potential in enhancing remote collaboration.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.tno.nl/en
Email: info@tno.nl
Phone: +31 88 866 00 00
Address: Anna van Buerenplein 1, 2595 DA The Hague, Netherlands
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/tno
Twitter: @TNO_nieuws