The CAVE offers fantastic potential to collect AI-training data in a way that was not previously possible, by simulating ‘In the wild’ studies to test specific scenarios in a controlled manner. CAVE-based education has been shown to yield significantly higher learning gains than traditional methods, and AI is also known to play a powerful role in education. The combined capability of these two approaches has not been explored.

Our first goal is to evaluate the CAVE’s educational potential in the context of diabetes education. This is being achieved by leveraging the validated study methodology and educational VR-capsule from our 2020 Innovate UK project , ABLEDOC, led by Cognitant. The materials are being redeveloped and tested on users both within the CAVE and its associated headsets, for comparison. We are indebted to Cognitant Ltd. for granting us access to use the ABLEDOC Unity assets, which were an essential part of the project. 

The second goal is to elucidate the research questions around specific challenges in integrating AI with a CAVE, to make the case for funding a much broader AI-powered, collaborative CAVE learning experience. Collaborative learning is already embedded into diabetes education via the DAFNE course, making it an ideal candidate for trialling this concept. 

The project objectives are listed below:

1. To develop an educational CAVE module, focusing on one topic.

2. To evaluate the module in a pilot study with users.

3. To explore how to embed AI in the learning experience.

4. To disseminate and exploit the results.

The approximate timeline is as follows:

1. Research and Development : Aug 2022  - Feb 2023 

2. Evaluation, including pilot study with users: Feb 2023 – June 2023 

3. Dissemination and Exploitation: Jul 2023 – Sep 2023 

This work is creating the evidence needed to seek funding to fully validate and test the concept within a broader curriculum, and a potentially larger variety of VR environments. It has potential for a wide range of impacts ranging from health to the global economy, due to the growing epidemic of diabetes.