Joint Laboratory on Humans at the Heart of the Challenges of the Digital Worlds – N-HUM-INNO

Axis 1: Tools for the evaluation and analysis of activity in immersive environments
The objective of this axis is to develop a methodology to improve the design process of immersive environments. A systematic review of the literature has identified psycho-physiological indicators and sensors that can contribute to the analysis of behaviors and activities in immersive environments. Subsequently, we designed an experimental protocol for analyzing the performance of a task in an immersive environment and to implement it, we developed an experimental demonstrator of a solution for measuring human activity in virtual reality.
Axis 2: measurement of human activity in the factory 4.0
We are working on the development of a solution to measure in real time the level of activity in a production line. This work concerns on the one hand the development and improvement of performance measurement indicators (Lean Management) to integrate in real time measurements of the activity carried out within the production line by the operators (e.g. movements, position, speeds, fatigue, stress).
Axis 3: evaluation of man-machine interfaces
We have developed an experimental protocol for educational applications related to a software solution developed by TEA as part of the Captiv NeuroLab solution. The work in this axis aims at integrating new indicators for the evaluation of the user experience to facilitate the evaluation of interactions with human-machine interfaces.

A first demonstrator of a solution for measuring human activity in virtual reality supported by physiological sensors has been developed. This work concerned the development of an experimental protocol for the evaluation of a spatial navigation task in a virtual environment as well as the development of a plugin to communicate with the sensors and software of the company TEA. This type of solution could be useful for the design of spaces or buildings that require special attention to the navigation experience of future users such as train stations, airports, hospitals, among others. A first series of experiments have been carried out and will continue this year. This solution will also be adaptable for the analysis of other types of situations and with the aim of providing a service offer to meet the needs of industrial customers.

The work will continue for each of the axes described above, first of all the experimental campaigns of the demonstrators will continue by adapting the protocols to the health constraints. The prototypes developed will allow us to explore their interest in other fields of application with the aim of providing a service offer to meet the needs of potential industrial customers.

- Anaëlle Hily, Christel Jacob, Laurent Dupont, Giovanny Arbelaez, Jérôme Dinet, et al.. Reliability of virtual reality for user experience in spatial cognition: an exploratory approach. ConVRgence (VRIC) Virtual Reality International Conference 2020, Laval Virtual, Apr 2020, Laval, France. pp.68-80. ?hal-02553833?
- Giovanny Arbelaez Garces, Julien Michaux, Mauricio Camargo, Nicolas Ferveur. Development of an IMU-based ergonomics assessment tool for virtual reality. ConVRgence (VRIC) Virtual Reality International Conference Proceedings, Apr 2020, Laval, France. ?10.20870/IJVR.2020..3316?. ?hal-02565428?
- Mariela Martinez, Giovanny Arbelaez Garces, Laurent Dupont, Anaëlle Hily, Mauricio Camargo, et al.. Physiological assessment of User eXprience supported by Immersive Environments: First input from a literature review. ConVRgence (VRIC) Virtual Reality International Conference, Laval Virtual, Apr 2020, Laval, France. pp.89-108. hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-02551341

The N-Hum-Innov joint laboratory, led by ERPI (Equipe de Recherche sur les Processus Innovatifs -Université de Lorraine) and the SME TEA, is particularly interested in the study of digitally supported human-to-human and human-machine interactions, with a vision of the project: "technology at the service of mankind". Thus the originality of this project lies in the fact that digital technology is used to help and amplify people's decision-making and management skills in increasingly complex environments (increasing number of data to be processed, more frequent interactions between stakeholders, Virtual vs. Real interface, etc.).
This Joint Laboratory aims to: (1) to advance the current products and solutions developed by TEA in order to open up to new growth markets; and (2) to strengthen the company's current positions on its expertise in ergonomic support technologies for the working environment. For the ERPI, the LabCom will strengthen its scientific skills and knowledge on collaborative innovation processes in the digital industries. Today, the ERPI is recognized as a scientific actor in the field of user-centred innovation. Certified Living Lab since 2010 by the European Living Lab Network (ENOLL), ERPI develops experimental methodologies, models and algorithms to measure the acceptability and adaptability of innovative products, for applications as diverse as health, manufacturing systems and consumer goods. For its part, the SME TEA, with its CAPTIV product platform, and the series of derived products, is an international company in the design and distribution of technological solutions integrating sensors, software, image and virtual reality. The SME already equips many research laboratories or industries in Europe, Asia, America.
The N-Hum-Innov joint laboratory is therefore in line with the complementary skills and technologies of our two structures, with the objective of developing TEA's current solutions and products through a strategy of technological breakthrough, which will enable it to move into promising areas such as Industry 4.0 and Smart City. The shared research work will follow several structured steps: exploration, development and consolidation on both market and technological aspects. Each of the stages will be the subject of a progress report specifying the possible evolution scenarios and feedback. All productions will be promoted scientifically (referenced publications, targeted conferences in the above-mentioned fields) or economically (new products and markets).