Special Session 34

SPECIAL SESSION #34

Vali Lalioti

Creative Computing Institute, University of the Arts London, UK

• v.lalioti@arts.ac.uk

Hooman Samani

Creative Computing Institute, University of the Arts London, UK

• h.samani@arts.ac.uk

We invite you to submit a paper in this special session that explores the intersection of Extended Reality (XR) and Robotics. Recent developments have showcased the significant connections between these two fields, as evident from the recent inclusion of workshops and sessions on XR in prestigious robotics conferences such as IEEE IROS and RAS and ACM HRI. This convergence is further amplified by two notable trends in the Creative Industries. Firstly, the shift in film production from green rooms to LED screens enabling interactive elements, similar to projection-based VR systems. Secondly, robotics has expanded beyond industrial environments into our social spheres, including entertainment, performance art, and social robotics.

To fully realize the potential of this convergence, strong emphasis is placed on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). This session aims to captivate participants with the latest advancements at the intersection of creative robotics and XR. It serves as a platform for experts, researchers, and enthusiasts to explore the multifaceted landscape of creative expression and the technological convergence of Creative XR and Robotics and together shape the trajectory of this dynamic field.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Interdisciplinary approaches in creative XR and robotics;
• Creative XR and Robotics Artistry;
• Human-Robot Collaboration;
• Innovative XR and Robotic Design;
• XR and Robotic Gaming Fusion;
• Artistic XR and Robotic Installations;
• Creative XR and robotics performance;
• Ethical Considerations in Creative XR and Robotics;
• Creative XR and robotic applications (e.g., well-being, healthy ageing);
• Robotic Telepresence Advancements;
• Cognitive Enhancement through XR and Robotics;
• Adaptive Learning for Creative XR and Robots;
• Haptic Feedback in Creative XR and Robotics;
• Sustainable Wearables and Robotic Fashion.

Vali Lalioti, is Professor of Creative XR and Robotics and Director of Programmes at the Creative Computing Institute (CCI) of the University of the Arts London (UAL). She is a pioneering designer, computer scientist and innovator who helped build the first VR systems in Germany in the late 1990s and set up a cross-cultural VR research centre in post-apartheid South Africa that explored new areas such as VR and storytelling in Township cultures. She won the Royal Television Society Judges award for her work developing the first Augmented Reality productions at the BBC and has taught innovation around the world. Her Innovation Consultancy has developed diverse projects from AR Medical books to Operatic XR and her innovations and robotic designs have featured in WIRED, BBC Horizon and the press.

Hooman Samani, is a creative roboticist specialising in interdisciplinary AI-driven social service robotics, serves as the course leader of creative robotics at Creative Computing Institute (CCI) in the University of Arts London (UAL). With PhD in Robotics, international experience in various international academic and research institutes and as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), he brings a wealth of experience from diverse academic and industry positions. He has contributed over 100 publications in robotics, covering areas like Creative Robotics, Robotics for Pandemics, Cognitive Robotics, and Lovotics. His international recognition includes features in media outlets such as Discovery Channel, New Scientist, Wired, and BBC, highlighting his pioneering work in creative robotics.