Advances in Virtual Reality and Interdisciplinary Collaboration Driving Innovation

On November 22 2024, the second edition of Pizza & Science took place at the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), gathering around twenty participants in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Designed for young researchers, this event provides a platform for interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration. Primarily aimed at PhD students and post-doctoral researchers, but open to all members of The Sense, it allows researchers to present their research activities in an accessible manner. During this edition, hosted by Maxvell Arulraj and Noah Richert from the AppiTech Lab – Human-Centered AI team led by Antoine Widmer, participants explored innovative advances in virtual reality (VR), while sharing ideas and perspectives over a slice of pizza.

Maxvell Arulraj, a Research associate UAS at the Institute of Informatics of the HES-SO Valais-Wallis, shared the team’s latest developments in VR/AR technologies. The lab is developing innovative computer vision algorithms for the body, hands, and eyes tracking. These innovations have applications in both the healthcare and industrial sectors, including the detection of neurodevelopmental disorders in children and remote maintenance operations.

Event-Cameras and VR Headsets: A Revolution for Mental Health Diagnostics

Participants had the opportunity to test innovative medical applications integrating neuromorphic cameras in VR headsets such as the Apple Vision Pro, used for a cosmetic surgery project in collaboration with the team’s medical industry partner, and the Meta Quest 3, exploring serious gaming for identifying neurodevelopmental disorders. These hands-on demonstrations for testing the robustness and reliability of neuromorphic cameras, sparked insightful discussions on scientific challenges, the benefits of these technologies, and their potential applications in VR/AR.

Maxvell Arulraj particularly valued the stimulating exchanges with research teams, which strengthen the relevance and impact of his project. He highlighted, “Our demonstrations of the neuromorphic cameras and VR headsets not only allowed us to explore the latest advancements in vision technology but also opened a genuine dialogue between researchers. These enriching exchanges enable us to push the boundaries of innovation and refine the relevance of our work for real-world clinical applications.”

A Technological Collaboration for Innovation and DiverSsiTy

The event also showcased the collaboration between Maxvell Arulraj and the start-up DiverSsiTy, winner of the 2024 Créateurs BCVS Award, on innovative VR technologies. Founded recently, DiverSsiTy aims to revolutionize therapeutic approaches for autistic teenagers. Through multisensory exercises accessible at any time under medical supervision, the company leverages mixed reality and artificial intelligence to deliver haptic, visual, and audio therapies in 3D. This innovative approach promotes better social integration for autistic youth.

Promoting Interdisciplinary Exchange to Drive Innovation

This second edition of Pizza & Science once again demonstrated the importance of cross-disciplinary exchanges and friendly gatherings to foster innovation. Participants left with new ideas, valuable connections, and a deeper understanding of emerging technologies.