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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 11 A U G U S T 2 2 , 2 0 2 2 F O C U S G R E AT E R B A N G O R / N O R T H E R N M A I N E e centerpieces are a new iEX (interactive experience) Center and the creation of a new XR (extended reality) degree program. Here, the buzz phrases are extended reality, virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality. ese cutting-edge tools are designed to expedite problem- solving for many types of businesses and organizations, says Marie Hansen, dean of the College of Business and of the New England School of Communications and a Maine 2021 Women to Watch honoree. e technology can be used to help with job train- ing, she says. rough collaborations with businesses, students can use it to create virtual simulations that help solve problems. For example, students study- ing criminal justice can create a mock crime scene in a simulated environment. ey can create customer service simulations and even prepare students for jobs that don't yet exist. e goal is to help students learn how to solve real-world problems. e iEX Center uses computing tools that merge digital and physical space. e hardware includes VR systems, such as a type called Oculus, along with motion capture suits, real-time media servers, and aug- mented reality projection systems. Students can access kits for fieldwork that contain headsets, hand control- lers, iPads and small projectors. An augmented-reality tool is the Microsoft HoloLens, a type of glasses that can overlay digital information on a real-world image. Stand-alone haptic devices allow users to feel sensa- tions such as pressure and texture. A soundproof XR lab is a large room whose curved walls and high ceilings are fitted with LED displays and audio that can place sound in specific points around the room. "You can be in a digital environment that's all around you," says Knupp. Business relationships Earlier this year, Husson received a $2.2 million grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation to acceler- ate implementation of the programs and to support project research and development as well as business partnerships that will help stimulate job growth and economic development in Maine. Husson's president, Robert Clark, has said the money will help the university address pressing workforce issues, including lack of innovation and a shrinking workforce, as identified in the 2018 "Measures of Growth," published by the Maine Development Foundation. "Creating a high-tech workforce has the poten- tial to transform Maine's economic landscape and attract good paying, high-tech companies and jobs to the region," Clark said. College graduates with a knowledge of infor- mation technology and expertise in virtual reality and augmented reality are in demand. According to data company Statista, "it is forecast that over 23 million jobs will be enhanced by virtual reality and augmented reality technologies globally by 2030, an increase from the 800,000 jobs that were enhanced by VR and AR in 2019." Beyond problem-solving, AR and VR have the potential to grow into a thriving industry. A report from PricewaterhouseCoopers says VR and AR LOCATIONS to better serve you Big firm experience. BANGOR 84 Harlow St. 207.947.4501 ELLSWORTH 77 State St. 207.374.5833 Small firm attention. r u d m a n w i n c h e l l . c o m C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E ยป