Introduction:
This tutorial offers an immersive exploration into Extended Reality (XR) technologies, emphasizing their role in cognitive support and training across various domains. It aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of XR fundamentals, current technologies, and practical applications.
Outline:
- Foundation of Extended Reality Technology:
- Overview of XR: Definitions and evolution.
- Current landscape and future trends in XR.
- Current Technologies in XR:
- Software:
- Overview of leading XR software platforms and development tools.
- Discussion on software capabilities, user interfaces, and content creation for XR.
- Hardware:
- Exploration of the latest XR hardware, including VR headsets, AR glasses, and haptic feedback devices.
- Considerations for hardware selection in different XR applications.
- Applications of Extended Reality:
- Cognitive Support: Enhancing cognitive abilities through XR.
- Training and Simulation Systems: XR's role in creating realistic training environments.
- Use Cases (Instructor’s previous and ongoing projects):
- Emergency Medicine and Trauma Management: XR applications in rapid response scenarios (funded by Mass General Brigham).
- NASA: XR's role in astronaut support during long duration space missions (funded by NASA).
- Military Medical Crews: Utilizing XR for military medical training and field operations (funded by DoD).
- Transportation: XR in transportation for safety and operational training (funded by DoT).
- Wrap-Up and Q&A:
- Recap of key insights.
- Interactive Q&A session for further discussion.
Tutorial Benefits
- Understanding of XR Foundations: Participants will gain insights into the foundational elements of Extended Reality, including an overview of its software and hardware components.
- Practical XR Applications: The tutorial will offer hands-on demonstrations and discussions of XR applications in medicine, space, and military, providing practical insights and actionable knowledge.
- Workflow of XR Implementation: Attendees will learn about the workflow involved in XR implementation, covering stages from conceptualization and design to development and validation.
- Networking Opportunities: The event will facilitate networking with experts in the field of Extended Reality, offering opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
List of material or devices required by the in-person and/or the virtual participants to have with them:
- For virtual audience, reliable internet connection and a computer with webcam and microphone
Brief Biographical sketch(es):
Dr. Ebnali Harari is a Research Scientist and faculty member at the Department of Emergency Medicine, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical School. With a background in Cognitive Systems Engineering and Computer Sciences, Dr. Ebnali has skillsets in tackling scientific problems within a variety of large-scale and federally funded research projects funded by NSF, NASA, DoT, DoD, and NIH. Dr. Harari leverages his expertise in cognitive engineering, AR/VR development, machine learning, and sensing technologies to augment clinical capabilities and care quality in complex individual and team-based activities. For more information, please check the following link:
Hybrid Event Format Description:
- In-Person Experience: Attendees will engage in live demonstrations, hands-on activities with XR hardware, and face-to-face interactions with the instructor and other participants.
- Virtual Experience: Online attendees will participate through a live-streamed video of the tutorial. They will have access to digital resources, and a real-time chat for questions and interactions. Key demonstrations will be adapted for remote participation, ensuring an immersive experience.
- Interactive Sessions: Both in-person and virtual attendees will be able to participate in Q&A sessions, facilitated through a combination of live interaction for in-person attendees and a dedicated online platform for virtual attendees to submit questions.
