The collaboration will focus, among other things, on the development of VR systems for simulation, measurement, and stress reduction, joint scientific projects, student involvement in research, and the popularization of results.
"At the faculty, we have been researching the possibilities of measuring and analyzing biological signals related to emotions and stress for a long time. The connection with VR Life will allow us to move into the world of simulations and virtual environments that can faithfully recreate stressful situations and measure them in a controlled manner," says FEI Dean Radek Martinek.
Virtual reality has long since ceased to be just for entertainment, but is becoming a tool for learning about and exploring the human psyche. "The connection with experts from FEI VŠB-TUO will allow us to develop applications that can help us better understand and manage stress responses in extreme situations," notes Jana Trdá, CEO of VR Life.
Based on the memorandum, a specific project is already underway, in which FEI students will work on their final theses focused on monitoring emotions and stress using biological signals. "The project builds on a previous study in which researchers monitored changes in vital functions on an inclined bed. The study is now being expanded to include the use of virtual reality to induce and analyze stress responses," explains Martina Ládrová from FEI.
This approach may serve as the basis for a project being prepared for the European Space Agency (ESA), which is to be implemented on the International Space Station (ISS). In this project, scientists from VŠB-TUO and Masaryk University are developing a comprehensive sensory solution in the form of a smart T-shirt that will be able to assess stress and emotional load in real time.
As part of the research activities, a demonstration of measurements using VR has already been carried out with Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda. "Virtual reality opens up new possibilities for us. The cooperation with VR Life and the participation of astronaut Aleš Svoboda adds not only a technological but also a symbolic dimension to the project. It is a combination of science, innovation, and the Czech contribution to space research," adds Professor Martinek.
Memorandum of cooperation:
It focuses on cooperation in the field of research and development of virtual reality technologies and virtual instrumentation for simulation, measurement, and stress reduction. The parties will jointly implement scientific and application projects, share know-how and research capacities, involve students in research, and support innovation and knowledge transfer between academia and industry. The cooperation will also include joint publications, participation in professional events, and the preparation of new projects in the field of VR, AI, and wellbeing.