The ARIA team (Artificial Realities and Interactive Ambients) in the Human-Computer-Interaction section of the department of Computer Science at KU Leuven studies the behaviour of users in interactive Virtual Environments, with the aim of improving the experience of users immersed in them. The lab is internationally renown for its radical new ideas and pioneering work in the domain of Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality (XR), having published at top venues in the HCI and XR fields. At ARIA we seek not only to understand how we can improve the fundamental components of interaction in immersive environments, but also how to push the boundaries of XR itself so that it might open up new possibilities that did not exist before. At ARIA, the greatest asset we seek in a researcher is the ability to be creative and have a vision of a better future. We are also fully integrated in the network of European and International XR research and collaborate often with other top researchers in the field.
Website unit
Project
Powered by recent advancements in modern AI techniques such as Large Language Models, Virtual Agents (also known as Virtual Characters or Virtual Humans) are poised to be the next step in this evolution. An Embodied Virtual Agent distinguishes themselves from "regular" chatbots as it is an AI "construct" that exists in an immersive environments, therefore it possesses a body (or avatar) and can interact with the environment, with other agents, and with human users. Virtual Agents will represent a fundamental characteristic of our lives in the society of the near future: they will become widely present as assistants, helpers, friends and companions.
However, the current state-of-the-art in terms of approaches to "drive" the behaviour of a Virtual Agent still has large potential for improvement. Modern computer games that features so-called "Non-playing Characters" (NPCs) typically do not offer opportunities for substantial meaningful interactions with users, as they largely act in static roles. Conversely, research prototypes do not always feature populated environments, even when the subject of the study takes place in places where our real-world experience would tell us that it is very likely to encounter other people in such public settings (for example as in a virtual train station or a virtual museum). The candidate will thus study how modern AI techniques can enhance the believability, or the feeling of actually "being there" in the environment depicted by the virtual experience. We seek to understand what kind of behaviour a virtual agent should exhibit to enhance the overall feeling of a realistic experience. This will involve an investigation of how Virtual Agents can be integrated as (virtual) "extras" in public settings: what behaviours should they exhibit, what interactions should they be able to perform with the environment, with other agents, and with human users. Successively, we seek to understand what aspects are of greater importance when such Virtual Agents take secondary roles in an immersive experience, such as the ability to sustain short circumstantial conversations or interactions with human users.
We offer a full-time PhD scholarship of one (1) year. The candidate will be expected to actively seek and work towards the attainment of further external funding to support the continuation of the PhD, in terms of writing a research proposal. The candidate will be supported by the supervisor, as well as the rest of the ARIA team, in this effort. The candidate will also be expected to contribute to the supervision of Master's students and a limited amount of teaching support activities.
Profile
- The candidate must have a Master's degree in Computer Science or neighbouring fields, obtained no more than three years ago. Experience that relates to Human-Computer Interaction, VR, or 3D Interaction is desirable.
- Candidates must have excellent demonstrable programming skills, especially in what concerns the development of 3D applications, such as with Unity or Unreal Engine.
- They must be proficient in oral and written English, possess excellent communication skills, and be creative, team-oriented, proactive and result driven.
- The positions can start immediately.
- Interested candidates should send their CV, their transcripts, contact information of at least 2 referees, and a motivation letter using the KU Leuven system. The motivation letter should clearly outline the candidate's interests in VR and Virtual Agents and their thoughts for potential research in that direction.
- Including in the motivation letter links to code repositories or videos of examples of prior work on 3D applications (be them VR, AR, or also desktop 3D application) is highly recommended.
Offer
- A one-year PhD scholarship, extendible upon successful attainment of external funding for up to three more years, for a total of four years.
- A stimulating environment in one of Europe's most renowned and innovative universities, in a well-equipped research team of international reputation.
- Access to state-of-the-art motion tracking and VR laboratories, equipped with 16 Vicon cameras, tracking equpment, hi-end VR workstations and head-mounted displays.
- The research will be based at the Department of Computer Science at the Arenberg Campus in Heverlee (just outisde to city centre of Leuven).
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Adalberto Simeone, tel.: +32 16 37 71 59, mail: adalberto.simeone@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.