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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOST, OLFU launches MARVEL lab; seeks to provide facility for mixed reality training

DOST, OLFU launches MARVEL lab; seeks to provide facility for mixed reality training

Published Feb 23, 2023 03:59 pm
The  Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) have launched a lab that seeks to provide state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for training and research in mixed reality applications for medical, allied health, and marine simulations. Called the Multiple Applications for Reality-Virtuality Experience Laboratory (MARVEL), it is funded through the DOST-PCIEERD Institution Development Program (IDP). DOST-PCIEERD said that the lab is envisioned to keep up with the latest trends and become more competitive in integrating educational technologies. DOST-PCIEERD explained that mixed reality is a combination of virtual reality and augmented reality. According to the agency, MARVEL features an advanced motion capture (MoCap) system with sub-mm 3D precision and high-speed tracking capability. MARVEL also has three top-of-the-line computer workstations with a combination of open-source and commercial software for creating multiple applications on various platforms. Moreover, there are five head-mounted devices for testing and demonstrating mixed reality applications. All MARVEL devices are in a climate-controlled environment with an advanced sanitation system. "The launch of the MARVEL facility opens the door for more game-changing innovations that will catapult technology-based solutions for the country’s education and health challenges," said DOST-PCIEERD executive director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit. During the inauguration, Dr. Michael Joseph S. Diño, the project lead of MARVEL team, expressed his gratitude to DOST-PCIEERD and their partners. “We consider this as an “ichigo ichie" experience. Ichigo ichie according to the Japanese is once in a lifetime. We are hoping to have more once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the near future. Thank you to DOST-PCIEERD and to our partners,” Diño said. This P6.9-million research lab will allow Filipino researchers, educators, and IT professionals to conduct research and development activities and develop products that will help students improve their skills in emergency response and maritime studies. In addition, the MARVEL project is expected to have a significant impact on the education and research landscape of the Philippines and will help Philippine universities and colleges become more competitive in integrating educational technologies. The research center will also help us stay at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and better prepare our learners for the future. "We in DOST-PCIEERD have high hopes for the future projects of MARVEL especially the upcoming immersion and capacity-building programs, not only for the educators, researchers, and students at Our Lady of Fatima University but also in other universities. We anticipate the successful development of the mixed reality application through the partnerships and collaborations that will be fostered," Paringit added.
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