Immersive technologies are no longer purely a matter of engineering; they are rapidly becoming a critical societal question.
For two intensive days at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, experts, policymakers, legal scholars, and technologists gathered for the Conference on Human Rights in Immersive Realities (XR). Volum Technologies and the i2CAT Research Centre were honored to participate, presenting a live holoportation and immersive co-presence demonstration as part of the PRESENCE-xr EU Project framework.
Connecting human presence, not just devices
The core premise of Volum's demonstration at Strasbourg was straightforward: the next evolution of the internet must move beyond connecting flat screens to connecting human presence itself.
Utilizing real-time holoportation and spatial communication technology, the team showcased how XR can help dismantle barriers created by geographical distance, physical disability, conflict, or social isolation. By bridging these divides, immersive media creates new channels for empathy, education, collaboration, and cross-border participation.
Key themes: the opportunities and responsibilities of XR
The interdisciplinary discussions throughout the conference balanced the immense potential of spatial computing with the ethical responsibilities required to steward it safely. Key focal points included:
- Accessibility & inclusion — Ensuring immersive environments are built for diverse users and physical needs.
- Digital rights & safeguards — Establishing protective standards for user data, safety, and digital autonomy.
- Mental well-being & agency — Understanding the psychological impacts of shared virtual spaces and maintaining user control.
- Freedom of expression — Protecting open dialogue and creative freedom within immersive public spaces.
- Empathy & intercultural understanding — Harnessing true 1:1 scale co-presence to foster deeper human connection across cultures.
Collaborative innovation in action
The successful presentation in Strasbourg was a true team effort across multiple institutions and locations:
- Organizers & leadership — Special recognition goes to Rodica Ciochina and Mel Slater for orchestrating an exceptional interdisciplinary event, and to Alex Fuentes Raventós for flawless coordination of the poster and demo sessions.
- PRESENCE-xr colleagues — The Volum and i2CAT contingent shared the space with project partners including Jeroen Prinsen and Ke Li, who presented the Intelligent Virtual Humans (IVH) demonstration.
- The remote team — A vital shoutout to Daniel O., Helena Madrenys Planas, and Mohamad Hjeij, who anchored the other end of the live experience by participating remotely from the Barcelona office.
Looking forward
As spatial computing continues its rapid integration into society, events like the Council of Europe conference ensure that technological advancement goes hand-in-hand with human rights and ethical safeguards.
Volum Technologies remains committed to building immersive tools that respect human agency, foster genuine connection, and open new doors for global collaboration.