Staff at the University of Exeter enjoyed a visit to VSimulators, the University’s multi-disciplinary research facility at Exeter Science Park, in which they tried out the virtual reality, motion platform and motion capture technology.
James Bassitt, Senior Experimental Officer for VSimulators, discussed the technical capabilities of the facility and various applications it supports, mainly in the health and life sciences sector, including research around Parkinson’s Disease, Meniere’s Disease, ataxias and chronic ankle instability.
Colleagues in Innovation, Impact and Business, Research Services and Degree Apprenticeships then got the chance to experience first-hand the six degrees of freedom motion platform, including the vibration frequencies of being on a train and on a boat, before putting on the headsets and exploring a virtual reality environment - and were impressed with the capabilities of the facility.
Jane Vigers, Research Development Advisor, said: “The VSimulators are just fascinating and it was so interesting to see them in action. It was really well organised and very much worth a visit.”
Graham Standfield, Research Finance Administrator, said: “What a fascinating facility it is, and amazing how versatile it is and the research that can be done using it. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about it.”
Postdoctoral Impact Fellow Andy Jones Tweeted: “It can detect bodily movement to 0.8mms = mind blowing! So many potential applications for this technology! Also, added comedy of me ducking under virtual doorways!”
Georgia Brown, Enterprise and Innovation Programmes Officer, posted: “I'm in awe of VSimulators’ incredible research facilities and the fantastic work they're doing, particularly in the health and life sciences sector. It even got me thinking about research projects of my own that I'd like to start pursuing!”
Anna Davey-Mitchell, Scale-up Innovation Advisor, posted: “I had a great time being a big kid at VSimulators at Exeter Science Park yesterday. My University of Exeter colleagues and I got to trial their awesome VR and motion platform technology whilst learning about their (fully-funded) multi-disciplinary research, led in collaboration with our Exeter academics. It was also great to chat through with their team how Machine Learning could take this research further.”
