How can we improve the use of Augmented and Virtual Reality (XR) tools in space engineering processes?
XR tools offer many possibilities for optimising design, operations, maintenance and insight into information by utilising the full capabilities of our visual system. To stimulate the developments in this area, ATG Europe, NLR, Starion, TU Delft and Radboud University have partnered up and founded the Avatar VR & AR lab.
For the thesis lab we welcome Thesis study proposals in the following XR Thesis Lab topics:
Market analysis of XR Applications in the European Engineering Sector:
Conduct in-depth market research on current and anticipated XR applications in the European aerospace and engineering sector, including competitive analysis, technology trends, and growth forecasts.
Cost-benefit analysis of XR versus traditional engineering methods:
Analyze the economic impact of XR-based processes compared to conventional work methods in design, assembly, or maintenance.
Future scenarios for XR in the European engineering sector:
Develop multiple plausible future scenarios for the deployment of XR technologies, using trend analysis, expert interviews, and systems thinking.
XR tool adoption and acceptance among space professionals:
Explore XR user experiences in the space sector and identify factors that drive or hinder adoption and acceptance.
XR tool adoption and acceptance among space professionals:
Explore XR user experiences in the space sector and identify factors that drive or hinder adoption and acceptance.
XR integration with CAD models for real-time design validation:
Develop a tool or prototype that allows CAD models to be imported, visualized, and evaluated directly in the XR environment.
XR for multi-site collaboration on space instrumentation (concurrent design):
Explore and test how XR can be used to enable remote engineers to collaborate simultaneously on a design.XR-enabled training for satellite operations:Design and test an immersive learning environment for satellite monitoring and operation, with scenarios for both normal and unusual operations.
XR as a means of communicating with the public about space:
Design a concept for an XR experience that gives the general public insight into the role of satellites in Earth observation, astronomy, or communication.
We also invite you to make a proposal for a thesis study in one of these topics that are also related to the other thesis labs topics:
Applications are welcome from students from other studies at Leiden, Delft & Erasmus Universities as well as from other universities in the Netherlands to take part in this lab with a a thesis topic from your discipline, relevant for the overall challenge of living and working on the Moon. Applications from disciplines ranging from astronomy, law, management, and economics, to biology, biomedical sciences, psychology, social and behavioural sciences are also very welcome.
If you are interested to join, please feel free to contact contact Daniel Twigt and Peter Batenburg with your own proposal for a thesis project and motivation letter.
NOTE: You'll need to find your master study's supervisor