Deakin brings polar dinosaur to life in ground-breaking VR experience
Media releaseA polar dinosaur who roamed the Otway Ranges some 106 million years ago is the subject of a ground-breaking virtual and augmented reality palaeontology experience, at the National Wool Museum.
The ambitious exhibition, called "The Little L Project" has brought together Deakin University, PrimeSci, and Museums Victoria to develop a 'mixed reality' museum experience, blending the physical and digital world for the first time.
Project creator Dr Ben Horan, Director of Deakin University's CADET Virtual Reality Laboratory, said visitors would be able to interact with 'Little L', the polar dinosaur otherwise known as Leaellynasaura amicagraphica.
"We have pushed the boundaries to not only allow people to interact with 'Little L' in virtual reality, but to be able to simultaneously touch a 3D printed Leaellynasaura," Dr Horan said.
"The Little L Project experience will also track people's hand gestures, allowing them to choose the colour of Little L's skin. It's really just the beginning of where this technology can lead - the possibilities for future development are mindboggling."
'Little L' roamed the vast river valley that spread from Australia to Antarctica, and was the size of a small wallaby.
Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong, Bruce Harwood described the pilot research project collaboration, as a 'must experience' exhibition.
"Not only is this a fantastic experience, but the technology involved in bringing the exhibit to life was developed right here in Geelong," Cr Harwood said.
"Make sure you get along to the National Wool Museum to see how Geelong is leading the way in this space."
The exhibition will run from Friday 16 February to Sunday 15 April 2018. For more information, visit www.nwm.vic.gov.au.
