Advanced VR Research Centre (AVRRC)

Advanced VR Research Centre @ Loughborough University

The Advanced VR Research Centre (AVRRC) undertakes research and development in advanced modelling, simulation and visualization techniques to support a wide range of application areas. We regard modelling, simulation and visualization (M,S,V) as a continuous continuum involving abstract or mathematical representations of system behaviour or function through to complex coupled models and simulations that represent significantly complex systems where the human is an integral part of the simulation. Visualization is an integral part of the continuum because it provides the means to interact, probe and investigate the system being modelled. Our visualization research spans the field of visual analytics to high fidelity representations of the real world.

Our approach is based on a systems engineering approach where the wider context is considered in defining the relationship of the system with its environment and other components of the system as a whole. The systems engineering discipline ensures we consider the way the resulting models are used as part of a well defined and rigourous workflow. This has helped us examine and refine system architectures to optimise overall system performance against defined requirements and goals.

No model or simulation can be reliably used without it being validated and verified so an important aspect of our esearch is involved in developing methods to provide validated system models.

The human dimension of modelling, simulation and visualization underpins all our research. The human in this context is either a user of the system or is an integral part of the simulation loop (e.g. flight simulator). Our research also explores how to improve user's interaction with their data (to gain new insight or greater understanding) by increasing human cognitive and perceptual capability. The use of distributed simulation methods in conjunction with advanced collaborative environments is a major theme of our research activity.

AVRRC Advanced Virtual Engineering Centre - Collaborative Environment

Our network enabled Advanced Virtual Engineering Centre forms the heart of our extensive facilities. The high performance computation aspect of the facility involves synthetic (virtual) environments and immersive computing (VR) where the real world is modelled to a high degree of fidelity. Our data is derived from CAD, engineering tools and a multiplicity of real world sensors such as CT and MRI imaging systems.

We have succesfully applied our research to a wide number of sectors including aerospace, automotive, construction, defence, energy, healthcare, homeland security, manufacturing, scientific exploration and transport.

The AVRRC is located in University's new research complex known as Holywell Park (see above picture) and is part of the Research School of Systems Engineering.

AVRRC Vision

Transforming the development and application of advanced modelling, simulation and visualization techniques in order to:

• Fully understand highly complex system behaviour (involving people, processes and technology) to predict performance and control emergent properties
• Applying innovative systems thinking and human factors knowledge to provide effective solutions to extremely difficult and intractable system problems
• Create highly reliable and verifiable models of systems and their sensors
• Support advanced virtual engineering facilities
• Develop optimal solutions through a process of advanced visual analytics
• Enhancing the experience in distributed collaborative environments.

The AVRRC is a founding member of:

and a member of :