With the ‘PhobiAR Project,’ Hasan Kalyoncu University aims to use augmented virtual reality technology in the treatment of phobias. The project, which is also supported by TÜBİTAK, will help people overcome their phobias through augmented virtual reality. With the ‘PhobiAR Project,’ carried out by Hasan Kalyoncu University Computer Engineering Research Assistant Res. Asst. Nihat Yılmaz Şimşek, Department of Psychology Research Assistant Saadet Yapan, and Department of Psychology faculty member Prof. Dr. Levent Sütçigil, preparations are underway to implement a new application in the treatment of phobias.
The project, which is based on the idea of creating an exact replica of the ‘feared environment’ using augmented virtual reality technology, will initially be applied to the cat, dog, spider, and cockroach phobias that are most common in Turkey. These living species are made to move by adding animations such as running, barking, and flying. Finally, using a game engine, augmented reality is achieved by writing code for the models.
PhobiAR will be able to be used effectively in psychotherapy as of August 2021. With the ‘AR’ (augmented reality) glasses used, clients are enabled to confront their phobias without being isolated from their environment. Based on the feedback obtained as a result of the tests carried out, improvements will be made, and as of August, psychologists or psychiatrists will be able to access this technology through our website. It was also stated that work on a mobile application will continue.
