A study conducted by Charles Darwin University (CDU) and Torrens University researchers explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to combat cybersickness in virtual reality (VR) users. The study used AI techniques and machine learning algorithms to predict when potential users of VR technology with headsets would experience symptoms of cybersickness such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness.
The study
The study was conducted by Fawad Zaidi, Associate Professor Niusha Shafiabady and Emeritus Professor Justin Beilby. The researchers split questionnaire data into two groups: individuals who would experience cybersickness symptoms within minutes of using VR devices and those who wouldn’t have issues with using VR devices. The data was then processed through Ai-Labz, created by study co-author and CDU Faculty of Science and Technology Associate Professor Niusha Shafiabady.
The findings
The results revealed that AI could predict discomfort among VR users with 93% accuracy. Associate Professor Shafiabady said that with the growing use and need for VR technology, being able to predict and prevent cybersickness was crucial. She added that most people feel discomfort after using VR and being able to predict the occurrence of cybersickness for an individual would help VR developers and manufacturers to come up with solutions and take preemptive actions to create a better experience for the VR users and address the issues causing it.
The next step
Associate Professor Shafiabady said that the next step could be to use eXplainable AI algorithms to explore why the AI algorithms made its predictions. This would give developers and manufacturers a reason why users would have discomfort. She added that we are moving towards the times where we use VR devices for essential activities such as servicing manufacturers remotely and teaching, to less essential but more fun activities like looking into the outer space through VR lens. In the era of technology, the VR users should be able to get the benefits of technology without suffering from cybersickness.
Conclusion
The study conducted by CDU and Torrens University researchers highlights the potential benefits of using AI to combat cybersickness in VR users. As VR technology becomes more essential, the ability to predict and prevent cybersickness through the use of AI will become increasingly important. The study’s findings also show that the use of eXplainable AI algorithms could provide developers and manufacturers with valuable insights into why users experience discomfort, allowing them to create a better VR experience for users.
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