Project description
Scientific framework for virtual reality mapping techniques
Virtual reality (VR) can immerse users in inaccessible worlds and allow them to experience different bodies. However, after over 20 years of research, mapping techniques for translating physical movements into VR remain largely unusable due to a lack of scientific foundation. The ERC-funded MOVR project aims to establish a scientific foundation for VR mapping techniques, focusing on the role of motor learning in using such techniques, including for object manipulation and walking. It will develop theories based on motor learning models and assess VR interaction qualities, such as embodiment and presence. Ultimately, the project aims to enhance VR experiences, making them feel as real as the physical world and improving applications for millions of users.
Objective
The distinctive potential of Virtual reality (VR) is to give people experiences of being in worlds they otherwise could not be in, having a body that is unlike their real one, and doing things they could not do in real life. That potential can be realised with VR interaction techniques that map the movements of the physical body to a virtual one–mapping techniques. Despite over two decades of research on mapping techniques, there is no scientific foundation for developing them. As a consequence, they are still unusable in VR applications.
The goal of this project, MOVR, is to establish a scientific foundation for mapping techniques. Using a mapping technique to interact in VR (e.g. to manipulate objects, to walk) always requires motor learning. Therefore, the central hypothesis in my approach is that motor learning enables establishing it. The objectives of MOVR are to (1) build theory of mapping techniques by characterising them (e.g. which body part to map where, in which ratio) in terms of conceptual models of motor learning (e.g. adaptation, de novo learning); (2) build methods to evaluate mapping techniques by investigating the qualities of VR interaction (e.g. embodiment, presence) in terms of paradigms from motor learning (e.g. implicit and explicit, and parallel learning); and (3) build tools to design mapping techniques by testing ideas (e.g. using muscle tendon vibration for movement illusions) and predictive models from motor learning (e.g. the roles of sensory feedback).
MOVR can make the largest scientific leap in decades in research on mapping techniques. The resulting mapping techniques realise VR that people experience as powerfully as the real world but without its bounds. Such experiences increase the effectiveness VR applications with orders of magnitude, impacting millions of users. My research in applying neuroscience to HCI in combination of integrating motor learning experts in the MOVR team makes achieving this possible.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-COG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.