Computer Animation &
Social Agents 2021

Technical Program

Now available!

Virtual Conference!

Via Zoom Webinar for Presentation and Discord for Discussion

Keynote Speakers Announced

Our keynote speakers and their talk titles have been announced

Mark Billinghurst

Empathic Computing Laboratory, University of South Australia, Auckland Bioengineering Institute

Talk Title: Empathic Computing and Social Agents
(July 15th)

Abstract: The field of Empathic Computing explores how to develop systems that better enable people to connect with each other, using technology such as AR, VR and physiological sensing to share user surroundings and emotional state. This presentation explores how Empathic Computing can be used to inform the development of Social Agents. This is particularly important as more people are connecting in social AR and VR experiences, and so are being represented as virtual characters, and there is a growing opportunity for interaction between real people and agent based characters. Examples will be shown from research at the Empathic Computing Laboratory and other leading research groups and companies, and directions discussed for future research.

Michiel van de Panne

Computer Science, University of British Columbia

Talk Title: Reinforcement Learning for Realistic Human Movement
(July 16th)

Abstract: The creation of characters that can move with purpose and skill in everyday environments is a longstanding goal of character animation. Is reinforcement learning the right method for achieving this goal? When will we be able to populate virtual worlds with intelligent self-animating characters? Will we see a unification of the methods used in animation, robotics, biomechanics, and machine learning? In this talk I review the basics of reinforcement learning, highlight the progress achieved over the past five years, and outline some of the challenging problems that remain to be solved.

Victoria Interrante

Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota

Talk Title: Embodiment, Presence, and Spatial Perception in Immersive Architectural Environments
(July 17th)

Abstract: Virtual Reality technology has the potential to enable transformative advances in a wide variety of application areas. The research that will be presented in this talk is motivated by applications in architectural design, where virtual humans — in particular, virtual self-avatars, virtual human agents, and virtual avatar representations of other real people — can facilitate improved outcomes. This talk will cover issues related to the impact of avatars and agents on spatial perception accuracy, co-presence, and interpersonal trust during design negotiations in virtual architectural environments, including a consideration of the various impacts of different technological approaches to the instantiation of virtual embodiments.