We’re proud to celebrate the academic milestones of three researchers from the MASTER project who have recently completed their PhDs. These PhD success stories highlight valuable contributions to the fields of XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More, robotics, and human-computer interaction.
Michael Barz defended his dissertation on 11 April 2025 at the University of Oldenburg. His research focused on eye-tracking-based interaction techniques, using machine learning to interpret gaze behaviour for intelligent user interfaces. These methods have directly contributed to the active gaze-based interactionGaze-based interaction refers to a technology or method that allows users to interact with computers, devices, or interfaces using their eye movements and where they direct their gaze. It is a form of human-computer interaction that leverages eye-tracking technology to capture and interpret a user's eye movements and use them More techniques developed in MASTER. Reflecting on his experience, Michael noted that he had already completed most of his PhD work. However, being part of the network allowed him to see his results taken further into practice within the project.
Andoni Rivera Pinto completed his PhD on 28 April 2025 at the University of the Basque Country (EHU). During his PhD, Andoni focused on the use of mixed realityMixed Reality (MR) is a blend of physical and digital worlds, unlocking natural and intuitive 3D human, computer, and environmental interactions. This new reality is based on advancements in computer vision,graphical processing, display technologies, input systems, and cloud computing. MR is often achieved through the use of specialized devices such More and digital twinsDigital twins are virtual replicas of physical objects, systems, or processes. They are created using digital data and models to simulate and represent the characteristics, behaviour, and dynamics of their real-world counterparts in a highly accurate and detailed manner. Digital twins serve as a bridge between the physical and digital More for the intuitive programming of collaborative robots. His thesis explored how immersive technologies, such as mixed realityMixed Reality (MR) is a blend of physical and digital worlds, unlocking natural and intuitive 3D human, computer, and environmental interactions. This new reality is based on advancements in computer vision,graphical processing, display technologies, input systems, and cloud computing. MR is often achieved through the use of specialized devices such More and haptic feedback, can simplify complex programming tasks in industrial settings. Within MASTER, he extended this work by integrating virtual realityVirtual reality (VR) refers to a technology that creates a simulated environment or experience using various hardware and software components. The goal of VR is to provide users with a sense of presence and immersion in a virtual world that feels realistic and interactive. There are two main types of More and enhancing the robotic programming process. While his main research had concluded, he appreciated the opportunity to finalise publications and complete his thesis writing as part of the project.
László Kopácsi concluded his PhD on 14 May 2025 at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE). He tackled challenges in computer vision for interactive video annotation and 3D semantic mapping. His methods now support passive gaze-based interactionGaze-based interaction refers to a technology or method that allows users to interact with computers, devices, or interfaces using their eye movements and where they direct their gaze. It is a form of human-computer interaction that leverages eye-tracking technology to capture and interpret a user's eye movements and use them More and interactive machine learning within MASTER. Like his colleagues, László had finalized most of his research before joining the project. However he found value in completing his thesis and participating in the defense while engaged in the MASTER network.
Congratulations to Michael, Andoni, and László on their outstanding academic achievements and for bringing their expertise to the MASTER community!