In December of 2018, the University of Southern California’s MEML (Mobile and Environmental Media Lab) collaborated with its industry partners to launch EMOVAC, the Emotion Modeling Operational Variable Automatic Computer.
Utilizing Warner Bros. and DC Comics’ Batman property, along with Intel’s networking and computing power, and AT&T and Ericsson’s 5G wireless data technology, MEML created an immersive mixed reality experience on the USC campus, set in the world of Batman. Over the course of four days, students and community members entered EMOVAC, hidden in an unused storefront at the USC University Village, and encountered their greatest fears.
MEML and its collaborators worked to consider how emerging 5G technology and VR/AR technologies could be integrated to create visceral, compelling experiences in worlds we always wished we could inhabit. From early conversations, an ambitious plan was put in motion that would combine the construction of physical sets, live performers, original sound design, professional voice actors, 3D modeling, motion capture animation, a VR/AR headset, and a 5G network.
Project Team:
The MEML team responsible for EMOVAC consisted of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students from across disciplines but with a shared interest in emergent technology, mixed reality, and storytelling.
Performers:
Project Advisors:
Intel Program Officers:
Special Thanks to: