Within the larger framework of the immersive digital media technology expo, we’re teaming up with experts in XR, VR, AR and AI and other immersive technologies and presenting you with a multifaceted, thought-provoking program that is meant to not only inform, but inspire. How are these technologies changing the way we communicate, create content and experience narratives? Join us at XR PORT Berlin @re:publica in Halle 2 and find out!

Program curated by medianet berlinbrandenburg e.V. and in collaboration with medianet associates.

 

Monday, 27.05.24

Tech’s Impact: Education, Communication, Environmental Awareness

Immersive technologies have become powerful educational tools – but do you know how much they’re reshaping our understanding of our world? From AI-driven simulations that are meant to teach us more empathy, to immersive AR experiences that make history more tangible, and VR unlocking museum treasures: Our speakers share their insights into the overlap of technology and humanity in the world of educational tech.

11.00 – 11.30 “From Hostile to Hospitable” – Augmented Reality as a Tool for Inclusive Public Spaces Martin Binder (Visual artist)

The AR project “from hostile to hospitable” draws attention to hostile design in Berlin’s urban space: more or less discreet urban design measures to exclude certain groups of people and behaviors. Hostile design examples include armrests on benches that are intended to prevent people from lying down, or devices on potential seating areas that make it impossible to linger there. People experiencing homelessness are particularly affected by this strategic discrimination. The app invites you to discover places with hostile design and to hear from those affected themselves how these measures affect their everyday lives.

12:00 AM – 12:30 AM Virtual Memorial Spaces: The Future of Grief Lilli Berger (Founder of VYVYT Innovations GmbH)

13.00 – 13.45 The Power of AI and Empathy – Are We at the Dawn of a New Era of Appreciative Communication? Silke Ababneh (Creative Director, Flow Activist and Digital Storyteller, vr4content) Juan Antonio Guzman Hidalgo (Technical Director and Real Time Magician, vr4content)

How often do we listen to reply rather than listen to understand? In this keynote, we focus on AI-driven role-playing and simulations to enhance communication and foster a positive work environment within companies. We shed light on how such technologies can bolster soft skills, reduce misunderstandings, and contribute to the development of a positive corporate culture. Personalized feedback through technology can aid in performance improvement and better understanding and response to human behavior, thereby strengthening trust and respect in the workplace.

13.45 – 14.30 Transforming Analog to Digital Media with Rolf Zuckowski: From Board Books to Augmented Reality App Carolin Petzold (COO, Interlake)

What began in Rolf Zuckowski’s attic with a children’s book meant to produce sounds has transformed over the past two years into a tangible enterprise tool for enabling context-based learning. The project, which we developed in collaboration with the German Board Book Society, Universal Music, and our partner Volucap, simultaneously served as the proof of concept for Nextcreate – a learning authoring tool with an augmented reality app. From children’s books and brochures that make sounds and dance, to on-demand user manuals, to objects floating in space that playfully invite learning – let yourself be inspired and try it out for yourself. Join us on the journey to extend analog content into the digital realm.

14.30 – 15.15 Future Narratives: From Storytelling to Story Living Tim Deussen (Founder & Creative Director, Studio Deussen)

In his presentation, Tim Deussen immerses the audience in the story worlds of Blvd-Stories, a GPS-based AR app that brings to life Jewish life in 1930s Berlin, as well as Trompadu’s Pirate Jungle Studio, an AR environmental adventure for children. By merging traditional storytelling with immersive story living, Deussen opens doors to a new form of narrative. At the heart of the presentation is the question of how AR technologies can contribute to bringing profound themes such as antisemitism and climate change to consciousness in an inspiring way. The role of AI in shaping future XR storytelling prompts reflection on its influence and the emerging creative possibilities.

15.15 – 16.00 A Deep Dive into 3D Image Creation with AI Zinaida Ebden (Project Manager of the 3IT – Innovation Center for Immersive Imaging Technologies at Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut, Berlin)

Join us for an insightful exploration of 3D image creation powered by artificial intelligence. In this session, we will delve into some state-of-the-art techniques demystifying the process of transforming 2D representations into captivating 3D visualizations. Whether you’re an artist, developer, or simply curious about the intersection of AI and creativity, this talk promises to be both informative and thought-provoking.

Tuesday, 28.05.24

Digital Storytelling: The Future of Narrative

Thanks to VR, AR and AI, there’s almost no limit to imagination anymore. The possibilities of digital narratives are endless and becoming evermore immersive. From the preservation of eyewitness accounts with the help of lifelike digital replicas, to VR-based interactive experiences: Let our speakers explain how advancements in digital humans, AI and machine learning are revolutionizing storytelling across industries.

13.00 – 13.45 Digital Afterlife and the Future of Human Avatars Sven Bliedung von der Heide (CEO, Volucap)

In his talk “Digital Afterlife and the Future of Human Avatars”, Sven Bliedung von der Heide, CEO of Volucap, provides in-depth insights into the current status and future perspectives of digital afterlife. He highlights the key role of volumetric capture and its contribution to the development and integration of human avatars in digital worlds. The importance of this technology for preserving and presenting contemporary witnesses is particularly discussed, opening up new possibilities for cultural memory. The talk also explores the potential societal impacts of these technologies and how they could transform our understanding of digital heritage.

13.45 – 14.30 Enter the Vortex: A Brave New World for Performing Arts and XR Gaming Max Sacker (Creative Director, AnotherWorld VR)

Step into the realm of virtual acting and performance with Max Sacker from AnotherWorld VR. Discover the groundbreaking VR adventure, “The Vortex Cinema,” and its innovative use of 3d Scanning and Xsens motion capture technology. Max Sacker will delve into the evolution of the project’s development journey from digitising actors to harnessing next-gen facial performance with epic Metahuman capabilities. Uncover how new realtime technology empowers indie studios to achieve cinematic realism and captivating character animation on modest budgets, and how these technologies incorporated AI tools to enable both actors and developers to breathe life into a new type of performance art.

14.30 – 15.15 Playfulness in Virtual Production Jonathan Ho (VP Supervisor, ARKANUM) Sebastian Herbst (Producer, ARKANUM)

ARKANUM is a young, innovative production company from Babelsberg and we’ve set up a 100m² LED Volume with Dark Bay to shoot a series pilot. Our approach shows just how much is possible when you build your own workflows with a creative mindset and a lot of playfulness.

15.15 – 16.00 The Use of AI & Immersive Technology in the Film Industry Christina Caspers-Roemer (Managing Director, Trixter GmbH) Claudius Urban (Head of Animation, Trixter GmbH)

TRIXTER has been working in the film and post-production industry for over 25 years; especially with international studios and customers. During this time, many innovations have been made and tested – many disappeared from the market, some have become an integral part of our industry. Is the use of AI and machine learning really new in the industry? Which areas does AI already cover and which could follow? Recap – use on the screen – outlook.

16.00 – 16.45 Selina – An Adventure Game about Consent, Trauma, Shadow Work, and Loss. Why? Simona Theoharova (Artist, Actress), Sven Haeberlein (CEO and Creative Director, Trotzkind GmbH)

Selina will be an immersive VR Adventure Game for worldwide distribution. Its narrative is based on heavy topics that are not typical for entertainment and leisure. Introducing consent and trauma work in an immersive puzzle game is not the easiest way to create a game. So why did we do it, and how did we do it? Be surprised and entertained.

16.45 – 17.30 How VR Impacts Everything from Saving Whales to Donating Nefertiti Michael Geidel (Creative Producer, Actrio Studio) Gerda Leopold (Content Creator, AMILUX Film)

We look behind the scenes of quite different projects how VR can be an impact tool. In the VR game ‘The Great Ocean’, you become an ocean explorer handling tasks at real locations, combining science with fun gameplay. You can learn about the oceans at your own pace, swim with whales, adopt them, and donate to real NGOs like Whale & Dolphin Conservation (whales.org).

In the VR experience ‘Visiting James Simon’, you receive a private tour by the famed Berlin art curator and patron, James Simon. Choose what to see from his collections donated to the Bode-Museum, including the bust of Nefertiti. VR provides unprecedented access to his extensive archive, typically limited in physical displays, allowing close encounters with fragile art. The talk will also go into the business development of impact XR.

Wednesday, 29.05.24

Tech Transformations: Exploring the Future of Entertainment and Art

Entertainment and user engagement are evolving alongside our technological possibilities. As technology is advancing, it’s breaking traditional boundaries and opening up new creative horizons, enabling innovations such as game-based music platforms or AI-generated 3D images. Our industry experts illustrate how technology is redefining entertainment and audience interaction.

12.00 – 12.45 Digital Humans in the Age of AI David Bennett (Managing Director, Mimic Productions)

The talk will explore how digital humans and generative AI revolutionize storytelling and audience engagement. Mimic Productions is a leader in creating lifelike digital characters for various industries and is currently focused on building smart avatars.

12.45 – 13.30 Future Potential of Virtual Entertainment and Digital Music Distribution through VR and Web3 Technology Dennis Lisk (CEO and Co-Founder, DISTRICT VR), Ioulia Isserlis (CEO and Creative Producer, AnotherWorld GmbH) (Proof of Taste in collaboration with AnotherWorld GmbH)

New opportunities in the fields of Virtual Entertainment and Digital Music Distribution. Game-based music platforms, combined with VR and Web3 technology, have the potential to dissolve existing geographical and financial barriers that limit access to live entertainment experiences. Furthermore, new tools for Digital Music Distribution and Content Sharing can enhance artist-to-fan connections and income opportunities for musicians and creatives.

13.30 – 14.15 Spatialization of the World Asteris Kutulas (Author, Producer, Director and Polymedial Artist)

The launch of The Sphere in Las Vegas alongside Apple’s Vision Glasses signals a significant shift towards ‘spatialization’. This trend leads to an increasing interest in spatially oriented products and experiences in various aspects of both the physical and digital realms. Asteris Kutulas, a director, producer and artist, delves into the nuances of spatial production and its facilities. His insights come from his work on his concepts ‘Liquid Staging’ and ‘Flexodrom’, which are pioneering approaches and innovative structures designed specifically for spatial content production.

14.15 – 15.00 How Immersive Web Technology is Revolutionizing the Internet Frank Hahn (CEO, RAVE SPACE)

In his speech, Frank Hahn, CEO of RAVE.SPACE, explains how immersive web technology is revolutionizing the internet. He presents solid examples and real-life use cases of the RAVE ENGINE, which enables dynamic 3D experiences directly in web browsers. Frank highlights how this technology is being implemented across various sectors such as e-commerce and education, offering innovative solutions and creating interactive user experiences that redefine engagement and participation.

15.00 – 15.45 Augmented Reality for Live Events Olaf Sacher (Managing Director, Breakpoint One GmbH) Sebastian Tusk (CTO & Co-Founder, Breakpoint One GmbH)

Gain insight into current technologies in the field of augmented reality through large-scale approaches and their application to live events. It will demonstrate how live events can be realised with interactive geospatial content and show the benefits of this approach.

15:45 – 16:30 Immersive Media & New Markets: Funding & Distribution Pipelines Sönke Kirchhof (CEO, INVR.SPACE)

Dive into the immersive world at our talk to explore funding strategies and distribution pipelines with industry leaders and Filmmakers. Let’s cross the bridge of traditional filmmaking and XR and be part of the future of cinematic immersive media and XR.