Remote video and image capture in hazardous environments—or in situations where human access is unsafe, impractical, insufficiently precise, or prohibitively expensive—is essential for a wide range of critical applications. These tasks are commonly performed using aerial drones or ground-based wheeled robots, each with distinct operational trade-offs. Drones are well suited to traversing large, open environments, whereas ground robots are more effective on structured, flat surfaces.

This research project explores the potential applications of a movable camera system operating within a constrained space. The primary objective is to identify the most suitable use cases for such a system by not only providing theoretical justification but also developing proof-of-concept implementations. While a prototype has already been developed for a specific application, this project seeks to generalise the technology, investigate broader use cases, and validate its effectiveness through digital and physical simulated environments.

Objectives:

• Research: Identify well-suited use cases in collaboration with the supervisor(s)

• VR Digital Twin and Simulated Physical Environment: Develop one or two 3D simulations integrated with a digital twin of the camera to validate identified use cases in a simulated physical environment

This project's outcome can serve as a foundation for showcasing the stronger impact of using movable cameras in virtual reality settings, thereby providing insights and future directions for many research projects within the EmVis Group.

Required Skills:

• Strong programming skills

• Experience with 3D/VR scene setup in Unity

• Strong hands-on skills and a problem-solving mindset

• Experience conducting experiments

Other requirements: 

• Please note that, due to the nature of this project, the successful candidate will be required to work on-site at Monash University's Clayton campus.

Please ensure you possess the required skills listed above, meet the summer scholarship 2026 eligibility criteria, and submit your official application through Summer Scholarships application.