Laval Virtual 2025: XR Immersion and prospects for cybersecurity
From April 9 to 11, 2025, Fabien Eyssartier, extended reality engineer/developer (XR) for the Cyber CNI Chair, took part in Laval Virtual. The show is one of Europe’s leading events dedicated to immersive technologies (XR).
This presence enabled him to explore the latest XR innovations. Some of these could enrich the work of the Chair, particularly in the context of the CyberSecDome project, in which IMT Atlantique is an active participant.
Technology watch for CyberSecDome
Laval Virtual provided an opportunity to discover a number of high-potential technologies for CyberSecDome.
Highlights included :
- A round-table discussion on the use of XR technologies in public spaces, from technical and social constraints to adaptation of use and social acceptance
- A presentation by Varjo, manufacturer of high-end XR headsets for fields such as defense and aeronautics.
- A demonstration by Mentalista, which combines biometrics and emotional analysis to create adaptive XR environments. This innovation could ultimately enhance the ergonomics of cybersecurity operations centers (SOCs).
Emerging technologies and potential uses in cybersecurity
Although cybersecurity was not the main theme of the show, several XR innovations demonstrated strong potential for application in critical contexts.
For example, Nucleus VR offers an OT digital twin solution. Thanks to an open API, this technology enables real-time sensor integration in immersive environments. It could be used for the simulation or supervision of sensitive industrial systems.
Another notable discovery was Lina Khei’s AI Animo art installation. In this work, the user’s emotions directly influence a visual creation in real time. This type of immersive experience could inspire new, more emotionally engaging cybersecurity awareness-raising formats.
Scientific promotion and recruitment prospects
During the Doctoriales, young researchers presented their XR work in the form of posters and mini-conferences.
This space helped to identify future talent for recruitment (PhD or post-doc). It also provided an overview of current research trends, particularly in the fields of human-machine interaction, modeling of complex environments and immersive data analysis.
Towards a stronger XR strategy
Participation in Laval Virtual has enriched the Chair’s technological strategy. It enabled us to better understand the dynamics of the XR sector and identify opportunities for collaboration.
At the same time, this immersion fueled the strategic watch conducted for projects such as CyberSecDome. It also opened up new avenues for responding to structuring calls for projects, such as those under the France 2030 plan, in the fields of immersive technologies and digital culture.
