Core technologies for virtual worlds (RIA) (Virtual Worlds and Photonics Partnerships)

The Commission wants either better multimodal immersion for virtual worlds -- integrating at least two modalities such as haptics and force-feedback, vision, touch, smell or speech with extended reality (Area A) -- or advances in the optics and photonics behind microdisplays and sensing devices (Area B). Area B specifically targets displays below 1 mW power consumption, resolution at 8K and beyond, pixel densities above 10,000 per inch, high dynamic range and improved colour gamut, contrast and refresh rate, alongside sensing devices that hold up across different lighting conditions and eye physiologies. Each proposal must focus on one area, address human perception, privacy, safety and inclusivity, and test its application in at least one real-world domain. Activities are expected to start at TRL 3 and reach TRL 5 by the end of the project.