Integrating information from vision and touch in virtual reality telepresence systems

About the Project

Virtual reality systems are fundamentally altering how we study human sensory perception. Similarly, to build good virtual reality systems we need a clear understanding of how the brain integrates sensory information into a robust and useful percept. One area where this is particularly important is in the design and use of robotic telepresence systems, which allow a user to work safely in remote or hazardous environments.

This highly interdisciplinary PhD project will investigate the way in which brain integrates information from vision and touch and how these mechanisms adapt over time with experience. The particular focus will be on using this knowledge to address real-world problems in virtual reality and haptic robotics as part of a wider multi-university and industry collaboration (Robotics and AI in Nuclear, https://rainhub.org.uk).

The project will involve state of the art virtual reality and custom-made haptic robotics. It would be ideal for a student who is interested in technology and the way in which fundamental research in Perceptual Psychology can be used to solve real-world problems.

Funding Notes

See University of Reading funding competitions including Magdelen Vernon Studentship (PCLS) and University-wide International Studentship
1st/High 2.i in a relevant discipline (Neuroscience or Psychology) or computational discipline (eg Engineering or Computer Science). Normally, also an MSc (Merit or Distinction).

References

http://peterscarfe.com