Computer Science for Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Digital models have largely replaced physical models in design processes, thanks mainly to the advances made in CAD and numerical simulation. However, CAD and numerical simulation methods do not allow for human integration into the system (procedure training, ergonomic studies, full-scale interaction with an object etc.) Virtual reality enables one or more humans to be immersed in and interact with an artificial digital world and thus broadens the use of digital models. 

This 500-hour specialisation reflects the changing needs of companies in Virtual Reality. Computer science and image synthesis are covered of course, but also related disciplines which contribute to building efficient immersive applications (cognitive science, mechanics and biomechanics, computer vision, man-machine interaction). The specialisation is taught in collaboration with Clarté.

Contribution to sustainable development goals

International students can follow this specialisation, taught in French, via:
 

• A double degree programme - Open to international students selected by our partner institutions. Selected students spend two years studying courses from the engineering programme at Centrale Nantes. This usually includes one year of the common-core engineering curriculum followed by one year of specialisation. Double degree students are typically accepted after successfully completing two or three years of higher education in their home institution.
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• The fast-track engineering programme: Open to students with a Bachelor's or equivalent degree in science. Our fast-track programme gives international students who are qualified to bachelor level the opportunity to gain the 'diplôme d'ingénieur' in just two years.
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2024/25 academic year

* Conference week in Laval organised with our partner Clarté: conferences, demonstration of VR/AR applications, 1.5/2 day hackathon for group development of a VR/AR application
 

Examples of past projects

• Pseudo-haptic feedback
• Augmented reality planetarium
• Automatic gesture recognition through motion capture
• Origami production support in augmented reality
• Capture of the user environment for incorporation in a virtual reality game
• Automatic land generation in 3D
• Production of mini video games in 3D
• Interaction metaphor development for urban design in virtual reality
• Development of a mini serous game for neuropathic pain rehabilitation in partnership with Nantes University Hospital mixing Brain Computer Interfaces and VR
• Immersive Data Analytics in Unity
• Video Analysis for Real-time Sign Language Translation
• Control of a VR "puppet" with hand movements

Examples of past internships

• Development of a brain-computer interface - INSEP, Vincennes
• Augmented Reality operator guidance - CLARTE, Laval
• Therapeutic rehabilitation in Virtual Reality - Motekforce Link, Amsterdam
• Studies and development of augmented glasses - Technicolor, Rennes
• RV / AR Rendering Engine for the Web - Gingalab, Paris
• Augmented reality demonstrator for urban mobility - Sogeti, Aix-en-Provence
• Development of an RV platform for sport - LiveLike, New York
• Development of advertisements in augmented reality - Wipon, Lille
• Ophthalmic correction simulator - Essilor, Créteil
• Augmented Reality for visiting cultural sites - Histovery, Paris
• Optimizing Rendering Resources for VR applications, PSA, Paris
• R&D Audio Programmer, Ubisoft, Paris
• Virtual Cockpit for the "Rafale", Dassault Aviation, Paris
• Design and Implementation of a maintenance application in Augmented Reality, EDF, Paris

Industry Sectors

• Digital Services companies
• Companies using virtual reality, mainly large industrial groups in various fields: aeronautics (Airbus Group, Aerolia, Dassault Aviation, etc.), automotive (PSA Peugeot-Citroën, Renault, etc.), shipbuilding (STX, Naval Group (ex DCNS)).
• Companies that sell or design virtual reality solutions (ESI Group, EONReality, Immersion SA, Dassault-Systèmes.
• Image synthesis industry, whether for cinema (Mac Guff, ILM, Pixar) or video games (Ubisoft, etc.).
• Simulation solution providers (Dassault-Systèmes, ESI).

Career prospects

• Virtual reality engineer
• Real-time 3D developer (video games, cinema etc.)
• RV/Augmented reality (AR) applications designer
• R&D engineer
• RV/AR Consultant
• Project Manager (RV / video games)
• Image analysis and design engineer
• Design, Integration and Development Engineer