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Postgraduate research project

Gesture-agnostic radar-based hand tracking for VR/AR systems

Funding
Fully funded (UK only)
Type of degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Entry requirements
2:1 honours and a master's degree View full entry requirements
Faculty graduate school
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Closing date

About the project

As a researcher on this project you will contribute to the development of a radar-based system, named "Radar-Pointer." This will track hand movements in a way that is both non-intrusive and secure. 

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are rapidly becoming integral to our digital experiences, necessitating the need for interfaces that are both non-intrusive and safeguard user privacy. Our innovative project, "Radar-Pointer," is at the forefront of this movement. It uses sophisticated radar technology to forge a gesture recognition system that prioritises user privacy and negates the necessity for direct physical interaction or the use of wearable sensors.

This project goes beyond traditional human-computer interaction (HCI) methods, aiming to establish a new standard for natural user interaction in VR and AR settings. You will explore the potential of millimetre-wave (mmWave) radar sensors for their:

  • compact size
  • energy efficiency
  • ability to operate without capturing identifiable personal information

You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of academics from the University of Southampton and the renowned experts from UCL and University of Toronto to integrate the system into VR/AR setups. 

You will work in a dynamic research environment at the cutting edge of HCI technology with access to advanced research facilities. You'll be mentored by experts in the field, who will support your professional development. You'll have opportunities to attend conferences and present your research.