UMD Uses Virtual Avatars for Medical Training

The University of Maryland, College Park has developed a virtual reality training tool featuring high-fidelity 3D human avatars. Created with the Holocamera at UMD’s Cinematic Avatar Imaging Studio, the system captures 100 billion data points per second using 300 cameras at 4K resolution. 

This immersive environment is designed to improve medical training by allowing learners to step into a surgeon’s perspective and interact with virtual patients. Research conducted by the team found that users retained information more effectively when engaging in embodied VR experiences compared to desktop-based learning. 

The project also explores how artificial intelligence might expand training scenarios, using captured data to generate new interactions. According to Professor Amitabh Varshney, the tool provides scalable, hands-on learning opportunities that are not possible in traditional surgical settings. The Holocamera represents a significant step in preparing future healthcare professionals and technologists through interactive simulation.