This morning’s talk was from Stephen Lukosh, a Professor with the HIT Lab NZ, University of Canterbury. He explained that we can have Mixed Reality, some being virtual, and some augmented with a mixture of real and artificial. Environments can be simulated, yet the user feels immersed in them and is able to interact with the environment. We saw part of the dystopian movie Ready Player One, where people could be totally immersed in the Oasis, which has similarities to Zuckerberg’s Metaverse.
Stephen pointed out that some people can experience Simulator Sickness when using virtual reality (VR) headsets, and this has led to the development of better head-mounted devices. VR can include several of our senses, with scent being provided by an air canon.
Prior to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics the HIT Lab created a virtual simulation of the Alpine Down Hill course which the athletes used to train on before going to Beijing. VR has also been used for military training. We need to remember that using VR could give people a false sense of competency. It can help people learn, but may also make them over-confident.
In augmented reality digital content is added to the real world, and much of this research has been funded by the U.S. military. 3D images can be added to text books bringing pictures alive. Quiver is a programme where coloured-in pictures can be brought to life. It was noted that this cannot replace the blank pages children use to express their creativity. X-ray images can be superimposed on bodies to assist in medical operations, and VR can provide remote support for all kinds of repairs. There is a danger that by using digital information we may lose skills we have.
Augmented reality is being used now in Christchurch to show what buildings will look like before they are constructed, giving a better view than a two-dimensional plan. It’s also used to see underground pipes and services.
Stephen pointed out that HIT Lab’s motto is to put People before Technology.
It seems our real world can be
augmented by technology
Ruth's Reflections 
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