International Students Engage in a BIP VR Course at Athens Network Camp -March 2023

From March 12 to March 19 2023, a group of international students participated in a BIP (Blended Intensive Programme) course on Virtual Reality (VR) at the Athens Network camp. The course, organized by AVRENG, focused on the AVRENG Lab’s pillar of Augmented and Virtual Reality, which is a vital component of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The ATHENS Network, established in 1997, is a collaborative effort among 14 European technological universities and nine ParisTech Graduate Schools of Engineering. Its primary objective is to facilitate the exchange of students, teachers, and researchers from prominent European technological universities and jointly participate in European technological development and training programs.

One of the network’s noteworthy initiatives is the ATHENS week, an intensive program of coursework taught at each member institution during November and March. In addition to the traditional ATHENS courses, the network introduced the BIP, a blended program that combines the ATHENS course during the ATHENS week with an online component before or after the session.

For the participating students, completing a BIP entailed earning a minimum of 3 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) and receiving a daily allowance of 70 € for on-site participation. There was an additional incentive of 50 € for “green traveling,” promoting sustainable transportation options. Students were advised to consult their home university’s local coordinator for further details before applying.

The AVRENG Lab, dedicated to the advancement of Augmented and Virtual Reality, specializes in academic and industrial connections, research infrastructure development, and specialized staff training. Five years ago, the lab initiated a master’s program called Educational Techniques in Virtual Environments, offering courses on LSM platforms and Augmented Reality used in e-learning platforms. During this period, the lab published several scientific papers and books, marking the emergence of A&VR activities in their faculty.

Under the leadership of AVRENG, the lab has been actively selecting students who understand the significance of virtual environments and experiences for industry and manufacturing. They aim to translate the technology from entertainment to the factories of the 21st century.

In pursuit of collaborative opportunities, AVRENG established ties with ENSAM Cluny for a Double Diploma program in 2006. This collaboration provided insights into the activities of the Institute Image in Chalon-sur-Saône, France. In May 2016, a working visit involving key representatives from both institutions took place, resulting in the decision to establish the AVRENG lab, specifically focusing on industrial applications of Augmented and Virtual Reality.

Over the next 2-3 years, AVRENG’s main objectives include integrating the lab into the university strategy, connecting it with national and international applicative research networks, securing funding for infrastructure development, identifying Romanian industries utilizing or planning to implement such technologies, fostering A&VR interest within the faculty’s programs, and establishing a strong partnership with the Institute Image.

AVRENG has already initiated projects involving holographic systems for telepresence and has acquired a virtual immersion system based on Oculus Rift glasses, enabling real research to commence. The collaboration between AVRENG and the Institute Image holds promise for advancing their shared objectives and furthering their respective scientific endeavors.

The participation of international students in the BIP VR course at Athens Network’s camp not only contributes to their academic growth but also fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of Augmented and Virtual Reality. With the AVRENG Lab’s dedication and the support of the ATHENS Network, the future of A&VR in engineering appears promising, paving the way for innovation and advancements in various industries.