Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality Research Center

Vision:

The center's vision is to empower students, staff, researchers, and developers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively utilize virtual and augmented reality technologies across domains.

Mission

The mission is to promote the adoption and advancement of virtual and augmented reality technologies, showcasing leadership and creativity in Palestine, and providing essential services to the academic and industrial sectors.

1. Supporting the Palestinian digital transformation strategy (digital economy).

2. Developing solutions using extended reality technologies in vocational skills for schools, universities, and industrial companies locally and regionally.

3. Producing experts in the field of virtual and augmented reality.

4. Establishing the Palestinian Center of Excellence in virtual and augmented reality.

The center caters to a diverse range of individuals, including academic staff, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, startups, and researchers, both within the university and from external entities.

1. Training: Providing comprehensive training in extended reality, applications, tools, and technology.

2. Local and International Certificates: Assisting participants in obtaining local and international certifications upon meeting training requirements.

3. Development Lab: Offering a dedicated space for the development of virtual and augmented reality software and applications.

4. Enrollment in International Metaverse Academies: Facilitating enrollment in international academies related to the Metaverse for interested individuals.

5. Testing and Validating AR Technologies and Products: Evaluating and validating virtual and augmented reality technologies and products from local and international sources.

The center concentrates on various sectors including healthcare, education, automobile, agriculture, architecture, digital marketing, occupational safety, energy and water, creativity, Industry 4.0, tourism and antiquities, humanities, entertainment, digital Twins, and pure sciences.

The center emphasizes community service, research, and projects, aiming to integrate trend technologies to enhance user experience and interaction with the surrounding environment, ultimately contributing to more efficient resource utilization.

The center is committed to driving innovation, education, and practical applications of AI, VR & AR technologies, positioning itself as a leader in the field and contributing to the digital advancement of Palestine.

One of the projects is listed as one of 29 short-listed projects in an international competition organized by ITU in Geneva.

• “Assessing the Impact of Accepting Virtual Reality Technologies and their Impact on Motivation in Vocational Schools in Palestine”, Accepted, Feb. 2024.

• "Augmented Reality in Higher Education: Perspectives of Telecommunication Engineering Students". Accepted, Feb. 2024.

• “Role of Augmented Reality Learning in Enhancing Palestinian University Students' Motivation and Reflective Thinking”, accepted, Dec. 2023.

• “Augmented Reality Based Learning: The Efficacy on Learner’s Motivation and Reflective Thinking”, (IJIET), Vol. 13, No. 7, July 2023

• “Immersive Extended Reality (XR) Technology in Engineering Education: Opportunities and Challenges”, Technology, Knowledge and Learning, published on line 18 January 2024.

• “Smart energy management in residential buildings: the impact of knowledge and behavior”, Scientific Reports, Springer Nature, published on line 18 January 2024.

• “The Potential and Concerns of Using AI in Scientific Research: ChatGPT Performance Evaluation”, JMIR Med Educ 2023 Sep 14;9:e47049, 14 Sept. 2023