Soongsil University and Inha University Labs Selected for Immersive Content Lab Support Project

[Asia Economy Reporter Seol Gina Jo] The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 7th that two university laboratories, Soongsil University and Inha University, have been finally selected for the '2020 Immersive Content Lab (XR Lab.) Support Project.'

Immersive content refers to content that applies immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and 4D to digital content, providing information perceived through human senses to enable experiences similar to reality. This year, a total of eight university laboratories applied for the lab competition, recording a competition rate of 4 to 1.

The selected Soongsil University (Department of Global Media) 'AR Healthcare Lab' formed an alliance with Techville Education to develop 'AR healthcare content' capable of non-face-to-face guidance, planning to expand it into an AI learning-based customized healthcare platform in the future. Users can receive guidance from an augmented reality virtual exercise instructor through a smart mirror and manage health by monitoring motion accuracy and biometric signals.

Inha University (Department of Computer Engineering) 'MR Aircraft Maintenance Lab' partnered with the startup company Augmented Intelligence. They are developing 'MR content for aircraft maintenance education' that applies mixed reality (MR) and AI technologies to high-risk, high-cost aircraft maintenance, which can be used at specialized aviation training institutions or aircraft maintenance sites.

The Immersive Content Lab is a high-level talent development support project where master's and doctoral students lead the development of immersive content integrated with core technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution applicable in all industrial fields such as healthcare, education, aviation, defense, disaster, and safety, linking development results to startups and commercialization.

The selected labs will move into dedicated spaces (approximately 721㎡) at the Digital Pavilion in Sangam-dong, Seoul, receiving research space necessary for immersive content development and commercialization, support for development equipment, consulting, and educational programs. Since 2016, the Ministry of Science and ICT has selected and supported a total of 11 laboratories from 8 universities. The average annual support fund per lab is 180 million KRW.

This year, a total of seven labs, including the two newly selected labs, are expected to operate. The support period is up to five years, with annual evaluations at the end of each year to determine whether to extend support for the following year.

Song Kyung-hee, Director of Software Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, “In the post-COVID-19 era, the application of immersive content is expected to expand across various industries, and we will proactively nurture high-level talent in preparation for the increasing demand for specialized personnel.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.