<h1>Advances in Virtual Reality and Interdisciplinary Exchange Driving Innovation</h1>
On November 22, 2024, the second edition of <strong>Pizza & Science</strong> took place at the <strong><a style=”color: #f78c7d;” href=”https://www.chuv.ch/fr/chuv-home” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV)</a></strong>, bringing together around twenty participants in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Designed for early-career researchers, this event provides a <strong>platform for exchange</strong> and <strong>interdisciplinary collaboration</strong>. Primarily aimed at PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, but open to all members of The Sense, it offers researchers the opportunity to present their work in an accessible way.
During this edition, led by <a style=”color: #f78c7d;” href=”http://maxvellarulraj.com/”><strong>Maxvell Arulraj</strong></a> and <a style=”color: #f78c7d;” href=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-richert/?originalSubdomain=fr”><strong>Noah Richert</strong></a> from the <strong>AppiTech Lab – Human-Centered AI</strong> led by <a style=”color: #f78c7d;” href=”https://www.the-sense.ch/recherche-et-innovation/perception-cognition/real-world-neuroscience/antoine-widmer/”><strong>Antoine Widmer</strong></a>, participants explored cutting-edge advances in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), while sharing ideas and perspectives over a slice of pizza.
Maxvell Arulraj, a scientific collaborator at the <strong><a style=”color: #f78c7d;” href=”https://www.hevs.ch/fr/recherche-appliquee-et-developpement-a-la-hes-so-valais-wallis/institut-informatique-valais/”>Institute of Informatics</a></strong> of the <strong><a style=”color: #f78c7d;” href=”https://www.hevs.ch/fr”>HES-SO Valais-Wallis</a></strong>, presented the team’s latest developments in VR/AR technologies. The lab develops innovative computer vision algorithms for tracking the body, hands, and eyes. These innovations have applications in healthcare and industry, particularly for detecting neurodevelopmental disorders in children and for remote maintenance operations.
<h2>Event Cameras and VR Headsets: A Revolution for Mental Health Diagnosis</h2>
Participants had the opportunity to test innovative medical applications integrating neuromorphic cameras into VR headsets such as the Apple Vision Pro, used in an aesthetic surgery project in collaboration with an industrial partner in the medical sector, and the Meta Quest 3, exploring serious gaming approaches for identifying neurodevelopmental disorders and testing the robustness and reliability of neuromorphic cameras. These hands-on demonstrations sparked engaging discussions on scientific challenges, the benefits of these technologies, and their potential applications in VR/AR.
Maxvell Arulraj particularly appreciated the stimulating exchanges with research teams, which strengthen the relevance and impact of his project. He noted:
<em>“Our demonstrations of neuromorphic cameras and VR headsets not only enabled us to <strong>explore the latest technological advances</strong> in computer vision, but also to foster a real <strong>dialogue between researchers</strong>. These enriching exchanges help us push the boundaries of innovation and refine the relevance of our work for concrete clinical applications.”</em>
<h2>Technological Collaboration Driving Innovation and Diversity</h2>
The event also highlighted the collaboration between <strong>Maxvell Arulraj</strong> and the start-up <a style=”color: #f78c7d;” href=”https://diverssity.io/”><strong>DiverSsiTy</strong></a>, winner of the <a style=”color: #f78c7d;” href=”https://www.hevs.ch/fr/actualites/diverssity-remporte-le-prix-createurs-bcvs-2024-209609″><strong>BCVS Creators Award 2024</strong></a>, on innovative VR technologies. Recently founded, <strong>DiverSsiTy</strong> aims to revolutionize therapeutic methods for autistic adolescents. Through multisensory exercises available at any time and under medical supervision, the company leverages mixed reality and artificial intelligence to deliver 3D haptic, visual, and auditory therapies. This innovative approach promotes better <strong>social integration of young people with autism.</strong>
<h2>Fostering Interdisciplinary Exchange to Drive Innovation</h2>
This second edition of Pizza & Science once again demonstrated the importance of <strong>interdisciplinary exchange</strong> and informal gatherings in driving innovation. Participants left with new ideas, valuable connections, and a deeper understanding of emerging technologies.
