Summer 2026: Augmented Reality Perception and Cognition in Outdoor Applications

Affiliations: College of Engineering and Computer Science
Team Leader:
Hiroshi Furuya
hiroshi.furuya@ucf.edu
Computer Science
Faculty Mentor:
Gerd Bruder, PhD
Team Size:
2
Open Spots: 1
Team Member Qualifications:
We welcome applications from undergraduate students who are strongly motivated to engage in research and develop their skills over time, regardless of prior experience in research settings. Successful students in our lab typically demonstrate intellectual curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to dedicate substantial time and effort to learning new concepts and methods. Candidates should be comfortable working through challenging problems, seeking feedback, and iterating on their work as they build research proficiency. Candidates should have some prior experience with VR or AR devices to inform their interest in the field. A sustained commitment to growth and active participation in the research process is the most important qualification. Applicants must have prior experience developing with Unity, including the ability to build, modify, and debug Unity applications.
Description:
Our lab conducts research concerning the use of augmented reality (AR) in real-world environments, with an emphasis on advancing outdoor AR systems for complex, dynamic settings. This work is informed by ongoing collaborations and discussions related to external research initiatives, including projects connected to the Office of Naval Research and NASA. We investigate how to improve the robustness, usability, and perceptual fidelity of AR experiences beyond controlled indoor spaces, addressing challenges such as environmental variability, spatial understanding, and user interaction in the wild. Undergraduate researchers will have the opportunity to contribute to foundational questions in outdoor AR, gaining experience with experimental design, prototyping, and the evaluation of emerging immersive technologies in real-world contexts.