Chiba University has created two virtual spaces on the social VR platform “VRChat” and has begun releasing them sequentially starting March 27, 2026.
The plant cultivation space on the first floor of the “Sumida Satellite Campus” in VR space (top) and real space (bottom).
The project was created by Associate Professor Norimichi Tsumura, who holds positions at both the Graduate School of Informatics and the Design Research Institute (dri) at Chiba University, and Associate Professor Norimichi Suzuki, who is affiliated with the Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University and dri. As part of the “Metaverse Remote Technology” project funded by the National University Corporation Equipment Improvement Grant, the project aims to implement remote technology in society by combining digital twin technology (technology that digitally reproduces real space) and design.
The first world, “CHIBA UNIVERSITY sumida,” is a recreation of the first and second floors of the actual Sumida satellite campus. This campus is a collaborative hub for industry, government, academia, and the public, aiming to solve regional issues through design. The “mechanical clock” and the community exchange space “Atsumare HUB・LAB・SUMIDA,” which are installed in the real space, are also recreated in the virtual space. The mechanical clock’s mechanism operates every hour on the hour.
The second world, “CHIBA UNIVERSITY future,” is a space where you can experience a “future home” themed around physical and mental health. It features spaces themed around well-being, such as a sleep room where you can enjoy relaxing videos and music in a sleep pod, and a theater room where you can chat with friends. A guide robot named “Nekoha” will lead you through the world, and there are also features that allow you to experience everyday activities such as cooking and training in a game-like format.
The “Future Home” world. Nekoha, a pet robot researcher, will guide you through each room.
A sleep room in the “Future Home” world. Step into the pod and be enveloped in soothing visuals and music to induce sleep.
Both worlds were created with the aim of being used for events and remote lectures, and for strengthening the development of digital talent.
Chiba University VRChat World Overview
This article is an English translation of an original Japanese article, translated by the Mogura VR editorial team.
Reference
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001164.000015177.html
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