黑料网

KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 4, 2025

A research center launched by 黑料网 in January seeks to boost the university鈥檚 profile in technological advancement and specialize in extended reality and artificial intelligence research.

The Center for Cyber Physical Realms (CYPHR) aims to position itself as a national leader through the creation of immersive training modules and adaptive virtual environments that hold transformative potential in healthcare, education, and national defense.

鈥淐YPHR will unite experts to address complex challenges while preparing a future-ready, diverse workforce through hands-on training and cutting-edge resources,鈥� said Sylvia Bhattacharya, associate professor of electrical engineering technology and interim scientific director of CYPHR. 鈥淟ocated in Georgia鈥檚 growing tech hub, the center will also generate high-tech jobs and foster regional economic growth, establishing KSU as a critical player in technological advancement.鈥�

Extended reality is a term that includes immersive technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality 鈥� all of which combine elements of digital and real-world experiences.

Bhattacharya envisions extended reality directly supporting the Department of Defense through immersive military training, enabling realistic simulations of combat scenarios, while artificial intelligence improves mission planning through virtual environments that adapt to complex and rapidly changing variables.

Additionally, the knowledge and technology generated by CYPHR will enhance soldier performance with wearable technology that monitors cognitive and physiological states in real time. These advancements will equip the U.S. military with the tools needed to maintain a strategic edge and respond effectively to emerging threats.

Bhattacharya will oversee the center and connect its work with external partners in industry, government, and others. She is also tasked with workforce development, creating hands-on training and outreach programs to prepare a diverse and skilled next-generation workforce regionally and nationally.

鈥淎s the director for CYPHR, my primary responsibility is to provide strategic leadership to position the center as a national leader in extended reality and artificial intelligence research,鈥� Bhattacharya said. 鈥淚 oversee the development and execution of innovative research projects that address critical challenges. Building interdisciplinary collaborations with academia, industry, and government partners is a key focus, ensuring the center fosters cutting-edge solutions and advances technological leadership.鈥�

Much of Bhattacharya鈥檚 research investigates human-AI teaming, including a recent project funded by the Department of Defense that examines how humans experience being a passenger in a vehicle they do not control and how that affects their physiological and behavioral responses. That information is essential as autonomous vehicles become more common.

CYPHR is partnered with the Army Research Lab and is searching for other external collaborators, as well as affiliated faculty members whose research aligns with CYPHR鈥檚 core research areas.

CYPHR will also align closely with the Applied Technologies Research Community. By leveraging the expertise and resources of the Applied Technologies Research Community, CYPHR will advance its focus areas, including extended reality and AI-driven solutions.

In return, CYPHR will contribute cutting-edge research, infrastructure, and innovation to the broader KSU research ecosystem, enhancing the university鈥檚 reputation as a leader in applied technologies.

鈥淭he collaboration will also provide students and faculty from both entities opportunities for hands-on research, workforce development, and partnership building with industry and government stakeholders,鈥� Bhattacharya said. 鈥淭his relationship aims to foster technological advancements that align with regional and national priorities.鈥�

鈥� Story by David Roberts

Photo by Matt Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 黑料网 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.