News and projects from the AI + Machine Learning unit
Our Director, Dr. Christopher Shelton, and visiting researcher Jumin Seo spent a day at the University of Michigan's AI & Mental Health Conference, hosted by the Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society (MIDAS). Much of the day stayed focused on the harder questions around actually using AI in mental health. The question wasn't
FutureSelf: Smoking Cessation Project The VAR Lab helped support the development of the FutureSelf Smoking Cessation Project in collaboration with researchers at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea, through its College of Software Convergence and Department of Immersive Media Engineering. The project uses AI, 3D facial reconstruction, age progression, LLM-powered dialogue, and Unreal Engine
AI Door Greeter The VAR Lab developed an AI Door Greeter, a Python-based application designed to welcome lab members as they arrive. The system can recognize trained lab members, greet them by name, display their title, and play custom intro music of their choice. It also shows useful local information, including the current weather and
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
