ST Engineering Antycip (Antycip), a provider of simulation and virtual training systems, has upgraded the immersive room at University College London (UCL)’s VR Lab, one of the UK’s most established immersive research facilities.
Originally commissioned in 2000 as the first of its kind in the UK, the VR Lab has evolved through several technology generations. From its origins with CRT projectors and SGI image generators through lamp-based systems and multiple tracking solutions, it has been central to UCL’s standing as one of the country’s largest VR research groups. Today, the Lab remains a cornerstone for work across human–computer interaction, biomechanics, robotics, and virtual and augmented reality.
The latest upgrade replaces projectors first installed in 2012 with four Barco UDM 4K laser projectors. The system delivers brighter contrast, richer colour and a 4K pixel space per channel while removing the need for consumables and reducing maintenance demands. New RF-synchronised stereoscopic eyewear and fibre-optic cabling further enhance usability and reliability, ensuring the immersive room is equipped for years of future research.
The room has already hosted studies ranging from foveated rendering and avatar interaction to AI-driven behaviour and multi-sensory simulation. While UCL’s research group makes extensive use of head-mounted displays for teaching and experimentation, projection-based systems remain the preferred resource for many use cases, offering a level of immersion and interactivity not possible with wearable devices.
