Two young women are jumping in the air in a modern office while wearing virtual reality headsets and holding controllers. They appear excited and focused. In the background, other people are working at computers, while a colleague watches them. The office is modern, with large screens, plants, and open workspaces.
© Simone Reukauf

Mobile VR Lab

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Mobile VR lab
The study of the human brain and behavior is one of the most important research topics in cognitive science. However, with the growing interest in research in more natural environments, more and more limitations are emerging. This is where virtual reality (VR) could be of great benefit. The NBP's Mobile VR Lab opens the door for you to a more natural world where data can be collected. Among other things, studies on spatial navigation were conducted in the NBP Mobile VR Lab, which were the most frequently conducted VR studies in this lab.

Using the VR Lab
To gain access to the VR Lab, you must contact the lab manager to schedule an appointment for the required training. After completing the training, you will be given access to the lab calendar where you can book and use the lab.

Training
Knowing how to operate the VR devices is a prerequisite for using the VR lab. This is one of the most important points of the training. In the training you will learn how to use the VR headset, the controllers, the lighthouses, how to calibrate and validate the eye tracker, how to troubleshoot the devices in case of problems and how to maintain them during use. You will learn which PC and which additional equipment in the laboratory is suitable for which purpose and which rules apply to their use. You will also be familiarized with the lab's hygiene concept to keep yourself and your participants safe and healthy. Finally, you will learn how to book the lab, log the visit and take care of the lab during the visit. Depending on previous knowledge of VR, the duration of the training can vary between 1 and 2 hours.

Equipment
In the mobile lab, you will have access to HTC Vive Pro Eye VR headsets, which have a built-in eye tracker. An older version of the HTC Vive headsets for experiments that do not require an eye tracker is also available. The lab is equipped with both VR Vive controllers and Index Valve controllers. A powerful Windows PC is available to host your VR applications, as well as an Ubuntu system. Another Windows PC is also available in the lab and can also be used to run your questionnaires. Other tools and equipment are also available to take full advantage of the experiments, such as a rotating chair for spatial navigation studies, noise-canceling headphones and experimental buttons.

Additional Information
The Mobile VR Lab is located on the second floor of University Building 50, Room 114. To learn more about the lab, you can review the Mobile VR Lab handout and contact the lab manager with your additional questions. You can find the lab handout here and the lab manager's contact details here.