Sunday 3 December, 1.00pm – 5.00pm
the Victoria University Architecture and Design building
139 Vivian Street, Wellington
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This workshop delves into the transformative role of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Robotics, Sensing Technologies, and Virtual Reality (VR) in exploring extreme environments on Earth and beyond. Highlights include discussions on advanced robotics and technologies in oceanic and space exploration, the use of LiDAR in creating intricate 3D maps, remote control systems, and the educational and training benefits of VR. The goal is to foster interdisciplinary discourse, spurring innovative ideas and collaborations to enhance our capabilities in exploring these challenging terrains.
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Program |
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1:00 - 1:30 PM:
1:30 - 1:45 PM: 1:45 - 2:30 PM: 2:30 - 3:15 PM: 3:15 - 4:45 PM: 4:45 - 5:00 PM: |
Registration and Networking: Participants register, collect workshop materials, and network over refreshments.
Welcome Address: An introduction to the workshop, outlining the themes and goals. Keynote Presentation: The Current State and Future of Robotics in Extreme Environment Exploration Session 1 - Presentations: Participants will present their work on sensing technologies like LiDAR in creating intricate, high-resolution 3D maps of inaccessible environments, data visualization, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in training and education, and tele-robotic operations Session 2 - Open Discussion and Brainstorming: An open forum for attendees to discuss ideas inspired by the sessions, potential collaborations, and the future directions of the field. Wrap Up and Closing Remarks: Recap of the discussions, closing remarks from the organizer, and details about any post-workshop activities or next steps. |
Call for participation |
Suggested workshop topics |
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This half-day workshop delves into the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Robotics, Sensing Technologies, and Virtual Reality (VR) as tools for exploring the extreme environments of Earth and beyond. The event offers deep insights into advanced robotics for oceanic and space exploration, the detailed capabilities of LiDAR in 3D mapping, sophisticated remote-control systems, and the vast educational potential of VR.
We extend an invitation to researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts from diverse fields including HCI, robotics, AI, engineering, and space exploration. Whether you are a seasoned expert in space missions, an emerging scientist, or simply captivated by cutting-edge technologies, this workshop is designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, encourage the sharing of experiences, and spur collaborations aimed at innovating exploration of Earth's most challenging terrains and beyond. |
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Register for this workshop by clicking the button below and submitting a 1-5 page position paper by November 17th (was October 3rd).
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Presented by
Selen Türkay
Dr Selen Türkay is an Associate Professor in Computer Science at Queensland University of Technology. She leads research projects focusing on the use of immersive systems in remote data analysis and science discovery to promote in-situ understanding of the data. She is also the co-director of Planetary Surface Exploration Group at QUT and the director of Cognition and Learning Environments in Virtual and Augmented Reality (CLEVAR) group
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Abigail Allwood
Dr. Abigail Allwood is a renowned astrobiologist and the first female principal investigator of an instrument on a NASA Mars mission. With an extensive background in geology, Allwood has made significant contributions to the understanding of early life on Earth and the potential for life on other planets. Her work on the PIXL (Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry) instrument on the Mars 2020 rover mission has been instrumental in the quest to identify signs of ancient Martian life. Combining her expertise in geology with cutting-edge technology, Dr. Allwood continues to pave the way for future discoveries in astrobiology.
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Ross Brown
Dr Ross Brown is head of R&D at Raytracer, a Brisbane-based defence and space startup focusing on integration of immersive technologies with applications to robotic control. Previously, he worked for over three decades as an academic in computer graphics and immersive technologies, including a position as an Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science at QUT.
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Christoph SchRank
Dr Christoph Schrank is an Associate Professor of structural geologist and rock physics at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. Chris investigates how coupled multi-physics processes interact and cause deformation patterns in rocks on Earth and other planets, from the scale of atoms to that of tectonic plates. He collaborates with HCI researchers to pioneer the use of immersive 3D VR technology for the teaching of complex 3D rock structures and the development of virtual field trips, for students and researchers alike.
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Luke Nothdurft
Dr Luke Nothdurft is a marine geoscientist based at the Queensland University of Technology. Luke’s research focuses on changes in shallow marine carbonate skeletons and sediment. Using a combination of geological and biological field data and samples, Luke investigates problems around climate change in tropical marine environments over a range of time scales with laboratory-based geochemical and microscopic analysis. He has 20 years of experience working on the Great Barrier Reef with current projects on Halimeda bioherms, the transformation of fossil coral and algae into limestone and attachment of live corals to reef substrates.
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Thierry Peynot
Thierry Peynot is Associate Professor in Robotics and Autonomous Systems at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Chief Investigator of the QUT Centre for Robotics, where he leads the Mining Robotics and Space Robotics activities. He has led multiple research projects funded by government, research institutions and industry, developing robust perception technology for robots and autonomous vehicles that can function despite adverse environmental conditions. Thierry is also the current Chair of the Robotics and Automation / Control Systems chapter, IEEE Queensland Section.
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Cael Gallagher
Cael Gallagher is a PhD student at QUT with a background in Human-Computer Interaction. For her research, she is investigating how the affordances of immersive technologies can be used to enhance opportunities for undergraduate students to develop 3D thinking skills. To achieve this goal, Cael is collaborating with geologists at QUT to create immersive virtual field trips and instruction modules that prepare students for the complexities of field work.
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