From July 9th to 11th, the second General Assembly (GA) of the PRESENCE project took place at the i2CAT offices in the heart of Barcelona. This vibrant city hosted a dynamic gathering where partners from across Europe came together to advance our shared mission of revolutionizing human interactions in virtual environments. The atmosphere was electric with collaboration, innovation, and a collective drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
A comprehensive use case workshop initiated our sessions, where we delved into the technical feasibility of our projects, rigorously validating and prioritizing both user and technical requirements. This collaborative effort ensured our innovations are practical and aligned with end-user needs.
Internal technical pillar meetings followed, with each work package forming groups to discuss the intricacies, progress, and future direction of their respective tasks. These discussions were critical in aligning our technical efforts and ensuring a cohesive approach across the Holoportation, Haptics, and Intelligent Virtual Humans pillars.
In addition, we showcased the full spectrum of deliverables produced by the project to date. These presentations were a comprehensive review of our accomplishments, spotlighting key milestones and breakthroughs. They provided detailed insights into our progress, complete with concrete timelines and future projections.
We also laid out our integration plan, setting clear timelines for the delivery of each component. This structured approach ensures that all parts of the project will come together seamlessly, paving the way for groundbreaking outcomes.
Our final day focused on our dissemination and communication strategies. We explored how to enhance our efforts and foster collaboration to promote the PRESENCE project effectively. Discussions included exploitation tactics and business models, culminating in a value proposition canvas workshop. This exercise, based on WP1 personas and use cases, allowed each group to present innovative ideas for leveraging our technologies.
We also addressed experiment planning, setting the stage for rigorous testing and validation of our solutions. By meticulously planning these experiments, we aim to demonstrate the real-world impact and effectiveness of our technologies.
A highlight of our assembly was a thought-provoking discussion with our external ethics advisor, Joana Porcel. Her insights on the ethical implications of our technologies underscored the importance of integrating ethical considerations into every aspect of our work. This discussion was pivotal in ensuring that our advancements are not only innovative but also responsible and aligned with societal values.
The event also featured impressive technological showcases from our partners. Attendees had the opportunity to experience cutting-edge equipment firsthand, including light-field cameras for 3D reconstruction, full-body reconstruction setups using multiple cameras, and a range of haptic experiences. Interactive games with haptic gloves, immersive haptic chairs, and headphones provided an engaging glimpse into the future of XR experiences.
To cap off the assembly, we enjoyed a memorable social event at a charming winery in the Catalonian countryside. This relaxed and engaging setting provided a wonderful opportunity to unwind and connect with colleagues while learning about the rich tradition of local wines. The experience was a delightful blend of culture, collaboration, and celebration, perfectly rounding off our productive three days together.
The momentum gained from this assembly will be instrumental as we move into the next phases of our project. The discussions, workshops, and collaborations have set a strong foundation for future achievements, driving us towards our goal of transforming XR experiences and setting new standards in human-machine interactions. Stay engaged with us as we continue to innovate and make strides in the world of extended reality!
