Thesis Project Form
Title (tentative): Augmenting human abilities through Supernumerary limbs or through Collaboration with others| Thesis advisor(s): Pierella Camilla, Cecilia De Vicariis | E-mail: |
| Address: | Phone: |
Description
Motivation and application domain
Virtual Reality (VR) provides a platform to study human coordination in multitasking environments. Our research has developed a Self-Augmented/Collaborative modular VR system that allow performing different tasks with a simulated third hand. The system offers two distinct interaction modes:
• Collaborative Mode: Two participants interact in a shared VR space, coordinating movements to complete a given task.
• Self-Augmented Mode: A single participant performs tasks using utilizing two hands and a foot-controlled third hand.
Through this study, we aim to analyze how the additional limb—whether controlled by a second player or by the primary user—impacts cognitive load, human motor skills, and coordination under different conditions in VR environments.
• Collaborative Mode: Two participants interact in a shared VR space, coordinating movements to complete a given task.
• Self-Augmented Mode: A single participant performs tasks using utilizing two hands and a foot-controlled third hand.
Through this study, we aim to analyze how the additional limb—whether controlled by a second player or by the primary user—impacts cognitive load, human motor skills, and coordination under different conditions in VR environments.
General objectives and main activities
The main goal of this thesis is to conduct a user study using the VR platform, collect behavioral and performance data, and analyze the impact of different task conditions on cognitive load. The thesis will include:
1. Experimental Design & Setup.
2. Data Collection & Processing.
3. Data Analysis & Interpretation.
1. Experimental Design & Setup.
2. Data Collection & Processing.
3. Data Analysis & Interpretation.
Training Objectives (technical/analytical tools, experimental methodologies)
The student will gain experience in:
1. Background Literature Review: Understanding cognitive load measurement and VR-based multitasking studies.
2. Experiment Design: Setting up a controlled study with defined variables.
3. VR System Interaction: Working with Unity, VR headsets, and tracking systems.
4. Data Processing & Analysis: Utilizing Python, MATLAB, or R for data visualization and statistical analysis.
5. Human-Computer Interaction: (HCI) Evaluation – Assessing user experience and task difficulty in immersive environments.
1. Background Literature Review: Understanding cognitive load measurement and VR-based multitasking studies.
2. Experiment Design: Setting up a controlled study with defined variables.
3. VR System Interaction: Working with Unity, VR headsets, and tracking systems.
4. Data Processing & Analysis: Utilizing Python, MATLAB, or R for data visualization and statistical analysis.
5. Human-Computer Interaction: (HCI) Evaluation – Assessing user experience and task difficulty in immersive environments.
Place(s) where the thesis work will be carried out: DIBRIS, via all’ Opera Pia 13, Genova
Additional information
Pre-requisite abilities/skills: previous experience with Unity
Maximum number of students: 2