VR Lab | Gesundheit, Sicherheit und Gesellschaft

Virtual learning and research environment

VR technology opens up new possibilities for experiencing complex situations visually and physically. It enables processes and decision-making processes to be trained and analysed without risk. Students can immerse themselves in interactive learning scenarios that strengthen their ability to act, their reaction skills, and their clinical and technical understanding. This promotes sustainable learning — especially in critical, safety-relevant, or therapeutically demanding contexts.

Purpose of lab

1. Provision of hardware and software

VR headsets, controllers, and motion tracking systems
Development environments for VR (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine)
Hardware and software for collecting physiological data

2. Content development and design

Creation of 3D models, virtual environments, and simulations
Programming of interactive applications and scenarios

3. Research and experiments

Usability tests and user studies
Psychological and neurocognitive experiments in virtual worlds
Simulations for education, training, and process optimisation
Pain therapy and rehabilitation in VR
Research on pain mechanisms and behavior
Training and therapy support for physical therapists.

4. Teaching and training

Conducting courses and practical exercises with VR
Integration of VR into curricula (e.g., anatomy, communication)
Training students and staff in the use of VR technology
Development of didactic concepts for the use of VR in teaching

5. Data collection and analysis

Recording and evaluation of movement, gaze, and interaction data
Integration of sensors (e.g., EEG, heart rate) for research and teaching purposes
Analysis of learning and usage results to improve teaching content

Facilities & Equipment

Immersive simulation and interaction for displaying 3D simulations, visual-spatial orientation, gesture control, and interaction in virtual space:

2× Apple Vision Pro
1x VIVE Pro 2
4x Pico 4

´Physiological data acquisition:

8× ECG/HRV devices (Bittium Faros 180)
Apple Watch Series 10. For recording physical reactions through stress parameters in real time

Documentation & evaluation:

8× digital audio recorders (Tascam DR-10L)
MacBook Pro

Hygiene:

UV disinfection cabinet. For safe storage and hygienic preparation of shared technology

Determination of pain thresholds:

Air 2. NeuroSensory Analyzer

Projects

2025-2026 EMERDEC (Fundamentals of Decision-Making Processes in Primary Hazard Management) projekte.ffg.at/projekt/5125188
2021-2024 Stress Research in Extreme Sports: Context and Gender Specificity of Coping. Led by: Solène Gerwann & Prof. Dr. Marie Ottilie Frenkel. www.issw.uni-heidelberg.de/arbeitsbereiche/sportpsy/forschung.html
2021-2024 MED1st MR - Training medical responders using a mixed reality approach www.med1stmr.eu
2019-2022 SHOTPROS: Improving decision-making and action processes in stressful and high-risk situations for European police officers through virtual reality training shotpros.eu

Useful links

Degree programmes: