The project “iCREW – Advanced small boat handling training system based on simulation techniques using virtual reality technologies” funded by the Greece 2.0 – National Recovery and Resilience Plan, participated in the 9th Panhellenic Exhibition of Arta. A diverse audience of all age groups visited the booth of the Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing and had the opportunity to directly explore the innovative digital applications developed by the research team.

The project, which includes a comprehensive simulator for small vessels and aims to train future or existing operators under a variety of conditions they may encounter during their voyages around the planet, drew particular interest from both the local fishing community and the general public. Local fishermen operating in the Ambracian Gulf, operators of small vessels for water sports, and recreational boat operators engaged with the project team and expressed interest in the use of the simulator. They often face adverse conditions, such as severe weather phenomena, where proper management is crucial. The simulator, by providing these capabilities, will significantly contribute to the proper training of potential operators.

For more information, please visit the website: https://kic.uoi.gr/en/icrew-advanced-small-boat-handling-training-system-based-on-simulation-techniques-using-virtual-reality-technologies/

As part of the 9^th Panhellenic Exhibition held in Arta from September 27 to October 3, 2023, many visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the new Industrial PhD of the Department of Informatics & Telecommunications of the University of Ioannina, at the Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing (KIC Lab) kiosk, that implements the corresponding project. This new study program is part of the University’s internationalization activities and is carried out with the cooperation of academic and research organizations from Greece and abroad, while soon it will be able to accept doctoral candidates from all over Europe.

The main objective of the project is the creation and establishment of an inter-institutional Doctoral Studies Program in collaboration with European educational institutions and Research Institutes, titled “Industrial PhD in Computer and Telecommunications Sciences“. The Industrial PhD aims to introduce modern innovative research and education practices at the University of Ioannina and to contribute to the strengthening of research cooperation with European Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In addition, the program seeks to attract PhD candidates and SME executives, who will undertake to implement their doctoral thesis at the participating educational institutions in at least two (2) countries and with a research topic that will concern issues and problems of industry & SMEs. The preparation of the doctoral thesis will be carried out under the co-supervision of faculty members of the collaborating academic institutions and researchers of the Research Centers. In addition, part of the research activity of the PhD candidates will be carried out in the context of the cooperation with the SME participating in the training and research plan of the PhD candidate and will concern the needs of the company. As a result, the research extroversion of the Department of Informatics & Telecommunications of the University of Ioannina and the collaboration with other Universities abroad will be strengthened, joint research groups from different European Universities will be created and, in addition, there will be direct research collaboration with innovative European SMEs, strengthening the relationship between academia and the labor market.

Furthermore, the new Industrial PhD will strive to provide a research methodology to acquire skills oriented towards European Industry trends, which will provide innovative technologies demanded in Industry 4.0. The academic institutions involved will have the opportunity to improve the quality of their provided education and carry out research adapted to modern trends, the State of the Art and the needs of Industry, mainly in the following subjects:

1. Mathematics, physics, technology and engineering
2. Information technology & telecommunications – ICT
3. Social sciences & ability to learn and manage
4. Entrepreneurship

The project “HERMES – Heritage Rehabilitation as Multiplier cultural Empowerment within Social context” funded by the Cross-Border Program “INTERREG Greece-Italy 2014-2020,” participated in the 9th Panhellenic Exhibition of Arta. A multitude of visitors from all age groups visited the booth of the Laboratory of Knowledge & Intelligent Computing of the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications at the University of Ioannina and had a firsthand experience of the innovative digital applications developed by the research team of the project.

The innovative applications of this project focus on digitally highlighting the cultural wealth of the regions of Arta and Apulia. Visitors were able to immerse themselves in a world of cutting-edge digital applications, including an augmented reality application, a digital book (e-Book) on the history of the Byzantine Castle of Arta, and the historical connection between the regions of Arta and Apulia. They also had the opportunity to enjoy a mesmerizing VR tour of the castle and a gamified version of its exploration, as well as a digital journey to the Small Theater of Ambracia.

Finally, members of the laboratory presented printed books authored by members of the research team during the music and theatrical events of the project. Specifically, the book “The Bridge of Arta – The Sacrifice of the Protomastoras” includes information about the theatrical performance “The Sacrifice of the Protomastoras” presented by the HERMES theater group, as well as a brief but comprehensive description of the history of the Bridge of Arta. Another book, “Tribute to the Poet Kostas Krystallis,” featuring a tribute to the life and work of the eminent poet, chronicler, and folklorist, was developed as part of the theatrical performance of the HERMES youth theater group. The book “Tracing Greco-Italian Collaboration in Music Art” included information about the music workshops, concerts featuring works by Greek and Italian composers, many of which were presented for the first time worldwide, as well as information from the broader historical context that emerged following historical research.

For more information, visit the project website: https://www.hermes-culture.eu/

The project “RecomARhotel – Create a system of recommendations and augmented reality applications in a hotel” funded by the “Research – Create – Innovate” Program, participated in the 9th Panhellenic Exhibition of Arta. A diverse audience of all age groups visited the booth of the Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing and had the opportunity to directly explore the innovative digital applications developed by the research team.

The project team informed attendees about the goals of the project, as well as the gaps it aims to address in relation to the services provided in the hotel industry. Among the objectives are the creation of an integrated digital ecosystem for showcasing and promoting the hotel product. This ecosystem will consolidate all the information sought by visitors about the destination and the hotel in one place. The digital ecosystem will be enriched with new virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) display technologies, as well as video content. Additionally, an innovative recommendation system tailored to the needs of potential hotel customers will be created, enhanced with some augmented reality (AR) applications.

These applications showcase the path to the future of the hotel industry, aligning with the personalized needs of each guest. It is noteworthy to highlight the positive reactions from visitors, with some expressing interest in using the application in both small and larger hotel units.

For more information, please visit the website: https://kic.uoi.gr/en/recomarhotel-create-a-system-of-recommendations-and-augmented-reality-applications-in-a-hotel/

The project “eMEDIATOR-Ecosystem for European Education Mobility as a Service: model with Portal Demo” which is funded by the ERASMUS+ Programme participated in the 9th Panhellenic Exhibition of Arta presenting its main objectives.

The aim of the project is to create an ecosystem model with a demonstration portal using the principles of service and competence-based education, learner-centered education and business-university partnership to offer courses and different types of employment in a single European education and labour market.

For more information, visit the website: https://kic.uoi.gr/en/emediator/

The project “Nicopolis – Research and Development of IoT applications for the Collection and Exploitation of Big Data and the Creation of an Intelligent Hotel” funded by the Operational Program of Central Macedonia, participated in the 9th Panhellenic Exhibition of Arta, presenting its main objectives.

The project aims to develop an interactive visualization system based on Augmented Reality (AR) technologies and integrate them with other information systems within a hotel unit. Specifically, the following will be developed: a standardized platform and database and recommendation system, models of autonomous navigation and augmented reality (AR), a perimeter projection application (360⁰), applications for smart mobile devices, tablets, smartwatches, and web browsers. The project also includes the production of a targeted display and promotion plan for the investment results.

For more information, visit the website: https://kic.uoi.gr/en/research-and-development-of-iot-applications-for-the-collection-and-exploitation-of-big-data-and-the-creation-of-an-intelligent-hotel/

The project “SMARTiMONY- Support stakeholders tackle strategic innovation in tourism in peripheral, remote and sparsely populated areas with resilient heritage offers and place based investments in the Cultural and Creative Industries” participated in the 9th Panhellenic Exhibition of Arta. A diverse audience of all age groups visited the booth of the Laboratory of Knowledge & Intelligent Computing at the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications of the University of Ioannina, where they had the opportunity to directly experience the innovative digital applications developed by the research team of the project.

The applications of this specific research project focus on showcasing the cultural wealth of Greece and Albania, specifically in the regions of Arta, Thesprotia, and Gjirokaster, both within the cities and their surrounding areas.

Under the project SMARTiMONY, co-financed by the Cross-Border Cooperation Program IPA Interreg “Greece-Albania 2014-2020,” numerous applications and innovative tools have been developed. These include three-dimensional models of the significant monuments in the Arta region and Gjirokaster, captivating storytelling, interviews with specialized speakers, a digital repository of informational material containing historical data and rich visual content, an interactive map of businesses in the Arta and Gjirokaster regions belonging to Cultural and Creative Industries, cultural heritage games, a digital book developed as part of the project, along with a printed edition. Additionally, there are applications featuring points of interest, navigation, and augmented reality.

The project aims to support the tourism sector in regions with unique cultural and heritage offerings, providing visitors and stakeholders with a digital platform to explore and engage with the rich cultural resources of the Arta and Gjirokaster areas.

For more information, visit the project website: https://www.smartimony.eu/