Project details
Single-user contemporary XR healthcare training simulations lack effective teamwork simulation and debriefing methods, compared to traditional high-fidelity manikin-based training which employs multiple human participants. While multiplayer XR simulations can naturally facilitate effective teamwork and debriefing due to their group nature, self-study / single player XR content does not. Better self-study options will be a major boon to XR healthcare training, allowing individual learners to gain confidence in a safe and repeatable environment; and allow training anytime, anywhere, without complex organisation / scheduling.
Non-Player Characters (NPCs) are used to bridge the gap between single player and multiplayer XR simulation content. i3 Simulations (https://i3simulations.com/) is developing systems for NPCs to carry out routine tasks, such as navigating the virtual emergency room and carrying out instructions effectively. The main aim of the XR-NPC project is to provide AI enabled NPCs that emulate human colleagues in multiplayer XR simulations, across the i3 Simulations product range.
The XR- NPC project will complement i3 Simulations NPCs by delivering the AI for NPCs to recognise and obey orders, display appropriate emotions, and provide accurate feedback to the single player. The AI for NPCs will parse orders from human users and translate them into NPC actions, and the associated emotional response will inform the visual appearances and behaviours of the NPC. E.g. The NPC has to know that it is doing an ordered task, which is either correct or incorrect for the simulation best outcome; and also respond in the correct emotional way when doing the ordered task (e.g. concerned; are you sure you want this (incorrect) procedure done now? Is this dose correct? etc).
While it will not be feasible to create perfect replacements for human colleagues, the NPCs should be effective enough to support the desired learning outcomes for working as a team to respond to medical emergencies, and the subsequent debrief after those emergencies.
On completion of the simulation, each NPC will contribute to feedback in the debrief stage. E.g. NPC says: Why did you ask me to do this procedure? It would have been better if you had asked me to do this (correct) procedure.
Once these NPC systems are in place, in addition to much stronger self-study options for i3 Simulations products, many new simulation opportunities that focus on communication skills will arise for experimentation, research and new content.
View the full project description (pdf 304kb)
The closing date for applications is 30 June 2024.
Supervisors
Professor Wen Tang is originally an Engineering graduate from China and made the transition into Computer Science during her PhD study at the University of Leeds, UK. After completing her PhD, she was a research fellow at the University of Leeds and the University of Bradford on two EU funded projects on collaborative virtual reality software technologies. Between 1999-2015, she was a Reader of Computer Graphics and Games Technology in the School of Computing at the Teesside University. Wen joined Bournemouth University in January 2015 and appointed Professor of Digital Games Technology in April 2016.
As a Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator, Professor Tang has received research grants from prestigious funders such as EPSRC, Innovate UK, EU H2020 Programme, Royal Academy of Engineering and European Interreg programme. She is a member of the EPSRC Peer Review Associate College. She is currently the PI leading a total of over £2 million funded projects. She is the coordinator of H2020-MSCA-RISE-2018:iGame project ( GA no.823871) and BU PI for Interreg 2 Seas Mers Zeeen PATH:PATHways to improving perinatal mental health with over €5 million of European funding to this €8.5 million partnership, and BU PI for Interreg Channel ASPIRE project with €7.5 funding from EU.
Professor Tang is the Director of BU Hybrid Digital Physical Research Cluster, leading the research activity on developing a deeper understanding of human behaviour and emerging technologies in hybrid spaces with XR.
Funding
A fully-funded Studentship includes a maintenance grant of £18,622 per year to contribute towards living expenses during the course of your research, as well as a fee waiver for 36 months.
Associated costs, such as for fieldwork and conference attendance, will also be met under the Studentship.
Academic support
The Research Development Programme, developed by the Doctoral College in line with the Researcher Development Framework (Vitae).An added benefit is the opportunity to meet researchers from other academic schools at BU through the activities of the Doctoral College and benefit from their experiences, skills, and perspectives.
Full entry requirements
The BU PhD and MRes Studentships are open to UK, EU and International students.
Candidates for a PhD Studentship should demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years and must demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic potential as measured normally by either a 1st class honours degree (or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent
- An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language and this must be evidenced at point of application.
In addition to satisfying minimum entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.
Applicants will be asked to submit an online application form and a proposal (approximately 1500 words) outlining their understanding of the project for which they are applying, the approach they would envisage taking and what qualities they will bring to the research community.
Please note:
- current BU Doctoral students are not eligible to apply for a Studentship
- current MRes/MPhil students can apply, subject to satisfactory completion of their Research Degree prior to being able to take up the award
- PhD Studentships cannot be used to support BU staff to complete doctoral programmes.
International entry requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 (with a minimum 6.0 in each component) or equivalent.
View further information about our English language requirements.
A number of pre-sessional English and preparatory programmes are offered through our partner institution, Bournemouth University International College, and will get you ready for study at BU at the appropriate level.
You can also find further details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our postgraduate entry requirements page.
How to apply
Click the green ‘Apply now’ button at the top of the page and complete the online application form. You can find further guidance about applying for a postgraduate research degree in our Postgraduate Research section.
The closing date for applications 30 June 2024.
Careers
A research degree can open new career opportunities in commercial research and development, consultancy, or could lead you to starting your own business. You may alternatively consider a career in academia. You may wish to undertake research to contribute to your knowledge of a specialist subject, or develop your employability by enhancing your skills in project management and analysis.
