XR Landscape Austria - Overview XR Research
The landscape of XR research in Austria is both dynamic and diverse, covering a wide array of sectors from healthcare to agriculture. Here we have a in-depth look into data publicly available, the Austrian Research Promotion Agencies’ Project database (Link)
Vienna, Styria, and Upper Austria play pivotal roles in Austria's XR research landscape. Vienna serves as a multidisciplinary hub, particularly strong in healthcare and education-focused XR applications. Styria, with its industrial base, is a leader in applying XR to manufacturing and automation, benefiting from its technical educational infrastructure. Upper Austria shines in transportation and mobility research, leveraging its innovative institutions and industrial partnerships. Together, these regions form the backbone of Austria's diverse and specialized XR research ecosystem.
Trends in Funding
The funding landscape for XR research in Austria shows a distinct pattern, with a noticeable peak in 2019 followed by a slight decline, and subsequent recovery. It's important to put this trend in a broader context. The global attention to XR technologies has seen significant spikes due to events such as Mark Zuckerberg's announcement of the Metaverse, painting a future where XR technologies become an integral part of daily life. Additionally, the Corona pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote technologies, indirectly benefiting XR research. These global trends have influenced funding priorities, making it a complex yet promising time for XR research in Austria.
Strengths of the Ecosystem
The Austrian XR research landscape demonstrates several strengths. The diversity of sectors involved indicates a multi-disciplinary approach, enriching the ecosystem. The technological versatility—ranging from AR and VR to MR—shows a robust skill set and innovative thinking. Additionally, the presence of international collaborations highlights the global relevance and reach of Austrian XR research.
In conclusion, the XR research ecosystem in Austria is showing promising trends in both funding and applications, influenced by global events and technological advancements. The diversity of sectors involved and the range of technologies employed speak to a versatile and robust research environment. The collaborative nature of many projects underscores the importance of international partnerships in driving forward the potential of XR technologies.
Sectoral Focus
The distribution of XR research projects across various sectors in Austria provides a nuanced view of where the technology is being actively explored. The healthcare sector has the most projects, indicating a significant interest in applying XR technologies for diverse purposes such as medical training, surgical planning, and remote consultations. Following healthcare, the industrial and manufacturing sectors are also robust areas of research. Projects in these sectors generally aim to improve efficiency and enhance collaboration, often through modernizing traditional systems. Transportation and mobility are other key areas, with projects addressing both immediate concerns like public transport planning and future-oriented topics like urban air mobility. Education has a smaller but targeted set of projects, mainly focused on interactive and inclusive learning experiences. The presence of projects in niche sectors like aeronautics and agriculture adds to the diversity, suggesting that the applicability of XR technologies is being tested across a wide range of fields.
Healthcare and Well-being
Healthcare is a primary recipient of XR research focus, with 27 active projects. Notably, a subset of these projects aims to transform patient care through remote consultations using XR technologies. Surgical planning is another application, where virtual reality allows surgeons to rehearse complex procedures before the actual operation. XR-based training platforms are being developed to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals, thereby aiming to improve safety and optimize healthcare processes. There are also initiatives focused on cognitive and physical stimulation, paving the way for more personalized rehabilitation programs.
- digital-city
- MMAssist II
- TRIMOTEP
- SeLe
- SOULMATE
- WheelSim VR
- ReMoCap-Lab
- TACTILE
- OpenSense
- AR-Demenz
- 3D Audio Navigation
- VR4Care
- AuReAAL
- AR-Stroke-Assessment
- MedTech-mR
- VR-PMEs
- ReSolVE
- Buddy4All
- nARvibrain
- EyeQTrack
- SmartAktiv
- ROBo[os]t
AR for early detection of neurocognitive impairments in outpatient care.
AR tech to reduce work stress in production environments.
AR-based game for post-rehab exercises with hip prosthesis.
Multimedia tools and new content production concepts for learning.
AR training experiences for elderly mobility.
VR simulator for electric wheelchair navigation training.
Lab for motion capture and environment augmentation in rehabilitation.
Mixed reality for elderly cognitive and physical health.
Immersive tech for slowing dementia progression via virtual mindfulness.
AR tech to aid dementia patient care and promote autonomy.
Binaural, virtual audio tech as non-visual navigation aid for elderly.
Sensor tech and VR for user-centric design in public infrastructures.
AR glasses for remote care in elderly home scenarios.
AR-based system for digitizing stroke patient assessments.
Mixed reality for simulating medical procedures and enhancing training.
VR training for pediatric emergencies with learner-specific scenarios.
Viktor Frankl's theories in VR for enhancing resilience.
Mixed-reality for senior well-being and intergenerational activities.
AR and AI for preoperative brain tumor mapping and education.
Eye-tracking and AI for adaptive XR training in healthcare.
XR tech for cognitive stimulation in cognitive impairments.
Digital robotics and VR for student psychological health.
Industrial and Manufacturing Technologies
With 17 projects, the industrial sector is another robust area of XR research. The initiatives range from developing human-robot collaboration systems to optimizing production lines using augmented reality for real-time analytics. One particularly ambitious project aims to overhaul traditional SCADA systems, integrating them with modern IT technologies. This could not only improve efficiency but also significantly enhance inter-departmental collaboration and decision-making processes.
- AR Hotspotting
- EyeControl
- HCW4i
- EvaluARte
- FlexIFF
- vizARd
- PlugBot
- LernZwilling
- CoBot Studio
- DT Framework
- DigitalEnergyTwin
- ALeS
- IMPACT-sXR
- tangibleVRpresence
- A2P
- ISI
Intelligent mobile data collection for Industry 4.0 compatibility.
Human gaze triggers actions in industrial machinery via eye-tracking.
Machine-assisted measures to improve human-machine collaboration in industry.
Assessing AR controllers for industrial applications.
Human-robot teams and AR for flexible production facilities.
AR for preoperative marking and defect visualization in CFRP parts.
User-friendly development environment for diverse robotic systems.
Promoting gender-equitable recruitment in scientific research.
XR for testing human-robot communication in industrial settings.
XR training system to minimize human errors in production.
Methodology and tools for optimizing industrial energy systems.
XR tools for on-the-job learning in Smart Factory settings.
XR for intuitive learning and sustainable processes in manufacturing.
Investigating tangible devices in VR to enhance user presence.
Simplifying implementation for adaptive assistance systems in industry.
Evaluating innovative software technologies for SMEs in Industry 4.0.
Transportation and Mobility
The 16 projects in this sector are diverse in their focus areas. Some aim to improve existing public transport planning through the use of augmented reality, allowing for real-time updates and route optimization. Other projects are venturing into the concept of urban air mobility, exploring the possibilities of integrating aerial vehicles into the existing urban transport infrastructure. Sustainable and efficient mobility styles are also under investigation, indicating a multi-dimensional approach to transportation research.
- iRTK
- Indoornavigation
- EUREKA COMINDED
- VR4CPPS
- Indoornavigation
- FX-Future eXperience
- SCOBES-AR
- youth codes
- Hub.connect
- I2VM3S
- AutoSimAR
- SmartHubs
- RAISA
- EmPACT
- im.FLUGE
Enhancing GPS/Galileo signal accuracy in urban settings.
AR-based indoor positioning and navigation on mobile devices.
Acoustic AR for personalized tour guides, inclusive for the visually impaired.
Using VR to streamline vehicle technology development and improve production efficiency.
Marketable prototype for mobile app-enabled, autonomous indoor navigation.
AR and VR for an innovative digital assistant in future mobility.
VR simulations for future intermodal urban air mobility services.
VR to encourage sustainable mobility behaviors among young individuals.
Extended reality for efficient transportation hub logistics.
AR for safe autonomous driving in challenging weather conditions.
Simulations to optimize windscreen displays in cars for safety.
AR and gamification for user-focused mobility hub development.
XR to integrate online and physical retail experiences.
Mixed-reality technologies for revolutionizing pilot training.
VR-based simulations for future intermodal urban air mobility services.
Urban & Infrastructure Development
This sector comprises 15 projects, primarily focused on urban planning and design. XR technologies are used to create digital twins of infrastructure, facilitating better planning, communication, and implementation of urban development projects.
- VR-Planning
- EUREKA COMINDED
- Walk Your City
- AR-AQ-Bau
- perceiving:spaces
- 3D Vision
- IML
- RAARA
- GLARA
- BIM_Flexi
- ARbau
- KityVR
- i-MON
- Circular Twin
- VR4UrbanDev
VR and AR for inclusive and sustainable public transit planning.
Acoustic AR for a personalized digital tour guide.
Promoting pedestrian traffic using VR/AR/XR technologies.
AR for quality control in construction processes.
Enriching board games with smart devices and virtual elements.
Utilizing 3D point cloud data in augmented reality environments.
AVR technologies to reshape storytelling across diverse fields.
AR to visualize noise emissions from heating or cooling devices.
AR and VR for participatory urban green space design.
Involving students in digital robotics and VR resilience training.
AR for visualization and simulation in the construction industry.
AI for 3D city models in VR for decision-making.
Wireless sensors for stress and strain measurement in concrete structures.
XR for early-stage planning of circular economy construction models.
VR for climate-neutral, resilient, and efficient city planning.
Education & Social Research
In education, 11 projects are exploring the potential of XR technologies. One project aims to create fully interactive, XR-based classrooms that can adapt teaching methods in real-time based on student performance and engagement. Gender equality in technical training is another research area, where virtual reality is used to create neutral environments to study the impact of gender on learning outcomes.
- MOBILITY 360°
- Play!Science
- MF@VRVis
- Virtual Skills Lab
- CATRINA
- weTEC!
- ICON
- GenTLE
- CleanTechClub
- SimLern
- AR-Edutainment
Exploring future mobility through XR learning and participatory research.
Encouraging exploration of research and tech development through game-based activities.
Cybernetic teams of humans and robots for flexible and efficient production.
Using VR scenarios to enhance social skills such as empathy.
Studying impact of gender and diversity on bystander intervention behavior.
Updating student understanding of tech careers through VR, AR, and robotics.
Building a cross-reality environment for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Exploring mixed-reality learning for gender equality in technical training.
Fostering talent in clean technology through immersive learning.
Developing AI-optimized, simulation-based learning experiences.
Enhancing learning through AR-based tracking of deformable textured surfaces.
Computing & Automation
With 7 active projects, this sector is exploring how XR can integrate with computing and automation processes. Areas of focus include data visualization, interactive interfaces, and the automation of certain XR functionalities.
- NextGen SCADA
- CoCreationMethods
- ARmEO
- VRVis K1
- Kärntner Fog
Integrating IT technologies into automation for a digitalized SCADA system.
Exploring user participation for new products and improved co-creation methods.
AR interface connecting satellite information for precise crop monitoring.
Leveraging visual computing to convert large data sets into comprehensible info.
Developing middleware technologies to optimize 5G application deployment.
Safety & Security
This sector has 6 projects aimed at leveraging XR technologies for training and situational awareness. Applications range from emergency response simulations to security protocol training using virtual environments.
- SAIMOS
- VR-Responder
- NIKE DHQ-RADIV
- EVUB
- GeoCROW
Map-centric software for enhancing situational awareness.
Digital platform for predictive assessment of aviation components.
Integrating data sets for decision-making in complex environments.
3D mapping for improved urban warfare situational awareness.
VR algorithms for realistic topographical and safety-relevant visualizations.
Energy & Sustainability
With 5 projects, the focus is on optimizing energy systems and promoting sustainability. XR technologies are being used for system design, monitoring, and maintenance in various energy-related industries.
- SOULMATE
- ADORe-SNG
- BEYOND
- CIRCUIT
- IEA HPT Annex 51+
Leveraging satellite data and AR for optimized field monitoring in agriculture.
Enhancing synthetic gas production from renewable resources through digitalization.
Using BIM for planning, optimization, and visualization of industrial buildings.
Developing foundation for next-gen mobile scanners combining real-time imaging.
Minimizing acoustic emissions of heat pumps in buildings through optimization.
Gaming
Though smaller in scale with 2 projects, this sector aims to enhance user engagement and experience. Projects are primarily focused on creating more immersive gaming environments using XR technologies.
- Mixreality Game
Merging traditional games with smart devices for a mixed reality experience.