HoloSpaceXR Validation Project

Redesigning hybrid collaboration through Extended Reality (XR) technologies

We're looking for testers! Help us shape the future of hybrid collaboration – get in touch

About the Project

The validation project HoloSpaceXR aims to fundamentally redesign hybrid meetings through the consistent use of Extended Reality (XR) technologies. The project plans to develop and validate an immersive and equal meeting experience regardless of participants' physical location. In the future, remote participants will be projected into the physical room as interactive avatars using virtual and augmented reality, for example as holograms with realistic spatial sound positioning ("spatial audio").

HoloSpaceXR spatial audio concept
POV of a remote participant perceiving the physical space as a digital copy and seeing users in the room as avatars.

Against the backdrop that hybrid meetings are becoming the standard in the modern workplace—and that remote participants are often disadvantaged (e.g., due to limited inclusion, reduced interaction, and more difficult non-verbal communication)—the project intends to address these disadvantages through innovative XR solutions. By combining immersive XR elements, realistic spatial representation, and novel interaction design, HoloSpaceXR aims to lay the foundation for "meetings at eye level", enabling a form of digital spatial presence.

Technological Starting Point

The NewWorkDesignLab previously demonstrated in the preliminary project "VR-Minilab" how real spaces and virtual avatars can be synchronized and displayed together. Building on these findings, the HoloSpaceXR project plans to further develop proprietary applications for VR headsets and multi-user solutions, ultimately creating a validated prototype.

VR-Minilab
Preliminary project "VR-Minilab": a physical room (left) overlaid with a geometrically identical virtual representation (view through VR headset).

Validation Objectives

Innovation & Impact

In contrast to existing XR or videoconferencing solutions, HoloSpaceXR aims to connect physical and virtual realities in real time, including real spatial mapping, position-accurate avatars, and immersive sound environments. This advancement creates innovation potential that goes beyond traditional videoconferencing—both technologically and socially.

HoloSpaceXR avatar concept
The integration of digital content into the physical space between participants.

Within the project, there is also a clear objective to reduce business travel, thereby contributing to CO₂ reduction and climate protection. The global growth potential of XR technology, virtual meetings, and e-learning further underscores the relevance of the project.

HoloSpaceXR plans to focus on the areas of corporate collaboration, education, training, and event communication, opening up new markets. Its innovative function as a bridge between real space and virtual presence is intended to provide companies with a clear competitive advantage in an increasingly hybrid working world.

Project Details

Funding
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Validation Funding Programme 2021–2027
Duration
18 months
Project Team
Marius Brade, Natalie Lehnart, Nicos Lentzsch, Cora Marie Lenz, Otto Maurer