• Study
• People
• Research and innovation
  • Communication technologies
    • Communication systems and protocols
    • Signals and waveforms
    • Audio and acoustics
    • Applied electromagnetics and devices
    • Projects
  • Condensed matter and materials physics
  • Healthcare engineering
  • Intelligent systems and robotics
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Physics of Life
  • Quantum science and technologies
  • Fellowships
  • Early Career Researchers Forum
• Public and schools
• About us
• Contact us
• Current staff and students

Immersive and interactive technologies

Immersive audio systems are ubiquitous and range from macro-systems installed in cinemas, theatres and concert halls to micro-systems for domestic, in-car entertainment, virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) and mobile platforms. New developments in human-computer interaction, in particular head and body motion tracking and artificial intelligence, are paving the way for adaptive and intelligent audio technologies that promote audio personalisation and heightened levels of immersion. 

Our research looks at how interactive audio systems can readily utilise non-tactile data such as listener location, orientation, gestural control and even biometric feedback such as heart rate or skin conductance, to intelligently adjust immersive sound output. This synergises with our spatial audio research on binaural measurement, analysis and modelling as well as Ambisonic decoding for immersive and interactive technologies. Such systems offer new creative possibilities for a diverse range of applications, from virtual and augmented reality through to automotive audio and beyond.

Collaboration and partnership ensures our research is far-reaching, maintains real focus and delivers transformative impact. Output from our immersive and interactive audio research is currently being used by leading developers and creators of media content, including the BBC, Google, Abbey Road, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Ableton. This work is a core aspect of the CoSTAR research programme, where we are developing next generation virtual production technologies and workflows for live performance on screen, stage and in the metaverse. Our team is leading on new application areas defining audio pipelines for XR productions as well as enhanced accessibility service within film, television and gaming through novel interactive and spatial audio techniques.