Spider Measuring: 3D Scanning for Ecological Research The VAR Lab used a Space Spider structured-light scanner from Artec 3D to create a high-resolution 3D scan of a wolf spider specimen, supporting research at Penn State Behrend focused on measuring abdominal surface area with greater precision. The specimen was provided by Dr. Lynne Beaty, with measurements
ARVIS: AI-Powered Digital Human The VAR Lab is developing ARVIS, an AI-powered digital human designed to support communities in rural areas where internet access may be inconsistent or limited. ARVIS combines a locally hosted large language model with a realistic digital human interface, giving users a face to talk to while accessing information and support.
Office Double: High-Resolution 3D Space Capture The VAR Lab completed a high-resolution 3D scan of an office suite in AMIC using a FARO Focus S laser scanner. This project created a detailed digital record of the space that can support future planning, visualization, and evaluation of potential uses for the area. By capturing the office
3D-Printed CIMT Constraint Orthosis The VAR Lab is developing a custom 3D-printed constraint orthosis in collaboration with Fulbright Scholar Bibiana Mayer Steckel to support research related to Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT). This project explores how 3D scanning, digital modeling, and 3D printing can be used to create a more customized and child-friendly alternative to traditional
LabVIS: Assisted Development LabVIS: Immersive VR for Therapeutic Research The VAR Lab is developing LabVIS in collaboration with Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA) under the management of Fulbright Scholar Bibiana Mayer Steckel. LabVIS is an immersive virtual reality experience being designed with future therapeutic applications for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The
Landing Place: AI-Driven Wellness App The VAR Lab is developing Landing Place, an AI-driven wellness app designed to support mental health and connect users with helpful resources. This project brings together technology, psychology, and student collaboration to create a real-world therapeutic support tool. VAR Lab members are working on the app’s frontend design, backend
Autonomous Campus Guide The VAR Lab is developing a custom AI system for the Unitree Go2 robot dog to support interactive education and campus storytelling. This project involves installing a local large language model directly onto the robot, allowing it to answer student questions about Penn State Behrend history, campus life, and general topics. The
Turning the Unitree Go2 into a Traveling Technology Showcase The VAR Lab created a custom display mount for the Unitree Go2 robot dog that transforms it into a mobile showcase system. This setup uses two portable monitors mounted to the robot’s back and powered through a Raspberry Pi 4. The system pulls battery power directly
Custom Fabricated Mounts for the Unitree Go2 The VAR Lab designed and fabricated custom back mounts for our Unitree Go2 robot dog to expand how it can be used for demonstrations, research, and mobile technology showcases. To create the mounts, we first 3D scanned the back of the robot to capture its exact shape. The
Autonomous Camera Leveling for Robotic Capture The VAR Lab custom fabricated a camera stabilizer system designed to mount on top of multiple robotic platforms and support advanced 3D capture equipment, including the Insta360 Pro 2 and FARO Focus S. Both systems require careful leveling before capture. To speed up that process, our team developed an
