February 14, 2014, by Lindsay Brooke

Are we virtually there yet? Flying first class in economy could be the future!

The Times and the BBC took a flight into virtual reality to find out more about The University of Nottingham’s major European research project into the perception of flying.

Smaller seating, lack of leg-room, inconsiderate passengers – all these things have become an accepted part of the flying experience. The big question is can virtual reality (VR) help us cope with flying under these conditions?

Research, led by Nottingham’s Dr of Virtual Reality Mirabelle D’Cruz, is trying to find out. VR simulations are taking place at the Max Planck Institute of Biological Cybernetics in Tȕbingen, Germany and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering in Stuttgart, Germany.

The ambitious €4.6 million VR  Hyperspace Project is funded under the European Aeronautics and Air Transport (AAT) work programme began in 2011. It brings together leading psychologists, neuroscientists, computer scientists and aviation and aerospace industries around Europe to explore enhancing comfort and reducing discomfort in air travel.

There’s more on the news pages of the University of Nottingham’s website.

Here are some pictures from the press trip courtesy of Victor S. Brigola Photography and The University of Nottingham.

 

 

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