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WELCOME TO THE VARLAB

Solving real-world challenges

We deliver practical value by translating fundamental XR principles and innovative ideas into tangible solutions. Our multi-disciplinary approach fosters collaboration and grounds our goals in reality. Together we harness the power of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality to improve lives, build resilience, and deliver measurable impact.

Digital Twins
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Simulation
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AI
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Real - Time Visualization
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Interactive Installations
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Immersive Displays
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Telepresence
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Collaborative Immersive Spaces
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How we Build

Multidisciplinary and impact-driven, at the VARLab we design and develop display-agnostic, immersive simulation systems for industry, government, and research partners. Our work leverages computational simulation with intuitive visual interfaces for collaborative decision-making, training, and workforce development, alongside applications for social impact and empathy training.

#1 Applied Research

Heeding the needs of the communities that we serve, we research with purpose, driving tangible, usable results that can be deployed effectively by our collaborators and partners.

#2 Innovation

The limitations and practical considerations of real-world, mission-critical applications require our problem-solving approaches to be creative and resourceful.

#3 Teamwork

Collaborating on joint projects and pilot programs with partners provides a direct pathway for translating our research findings into practical applications and real-world solutions.

#4 Flexibility

To achieve XR’s theoretical potential, we embrace and accommodate such highly variable factors as usability, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and user acceptance. Adaptability ultimately leads to more impactful outcomes.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Focusing on applied research at the VARLab is where the virtual truly becomes real in the research field of XR. Each project is a step toward redefining the human experience with technology.

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Drone Project

Drones are transforming surveillance practices, but how do you best manage massive volumes of video feeds? Instead of the typical 2D video wall of drone feeds, deploy a dynamic 3D model continuously updated from drone video and 3D reconstruction, which also also optimizes swarm control. May enhance military operations, disaster response, and search-and-rescue by improving efficiency, situational awareness, and scalability.
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3D Point Cloud Project

To enhance the realistic appearance of virtual environments, we project video onto a 3D model using a LIDAR-scanned point cloud while addressing complex challenges, including conflicting viewpoints, camera alignment, projection through floors, video mosaic blending, and seam correction. Each solution is designed to maintain scene accuracy, ensure aesthetic realism, and sustain real-time frame rate for practical, live applications. 
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Microelectronics Digital Twin

This digital twin of SkyWater Technology’s silicon wafer factory enables SkyWater to explore multiple approaches to improving manufacturing efficiency. Its data visualization dashboard presents real-time factory floor metrics, simplifying decision-making. The backend features a macro simulation of a wafer metrology facility, modeling the creation and movement of silicon wafers and feeding the data to the frontend.
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Crime Report Digital Twin

The Crime Report project’s Traffic Simulation Digital Twin is a real-time, dynamically generated traffic simulation of the UCF campus. Built in the Unity 3D game engine, this system integrates open-source data from Cesium, OpenStreetMap, and the Simulation of Urban MObility platform, creating a scalable and responsive framework for traffic simulations. Designed for flexibility and extensibility, it allows application-level use cases to be developed without the need to rebuild the underlying digital twin environment. 
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Environmental Virtual Assistant

This embodied AI/augmented reality assistant integrates with smart home device networks. While you wear an augmented reality headset, this Assistant appears as a floating presence beside you, responding to your voice commands. Saying “Help me get ready for bed” prompts the Assistant to dim the lights, adjust room temperature, and play soothing music via a smart speaker device.
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Wall of Fame 

Our experimental art experience deploys augmented reality to blur the line between our digital and physical identities. The piece centers around a mural installed in our lab space, and lets you use a smartphone camera to reveal a virtual scene featuring VARLab students. It’s intended as an evolving digital yearbook and a way to connect with past and present classmates.
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COMPANIES WE COLLAB WITH

Together, we create extraordinary experiences that drive positive change.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Dr. Carolina Cruz-Neira and Dr. Dirk Reiners created the VARLab in 2020, bringing together a multidisciplinary group of computer scientists, domain experts, and creators to collaborate with scholars, educators, artists, and our outstanding students.

Learn about VARLab people

Dr. Carolina Cruz-Neira

DIRECTOR

Dr. Dirk Reiners

Co-Director

How can we help?

We welcome your questions and new collaborations.

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