Real-time driver state detection A vision system for controlling an industrial robot with hand movements Integration of a camera and virtual reality with a robotic arm Application of computer vision in the recognition and interpretation of sign letters Mapping of characteristic points of the human face using machine learning and Blender software Six-legged robotic insect Two-way communication based on the MQTT protocol within the virtual and real environment

Scientific projects

Scientific Projects at LAPIS

The LAPIS Laboratory is actively involved in national and international research projects that advance the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber-physical systems, and intelligent environments. The projects conducted within LAPIS combine fundamental research with applied innovation, contributing to both scientific progress and real-world impact.

ExQuMe – Explaining Quantum Mechanics (Erasmus+)

Duration: 2025–2028 Programme: Erasmus+ (KA220-HED) Coordinator: University of Turku (Finland)

ExQuMe explores innovative approaches to teaching quantum mechanics through immersive Virtual Reality (VR) storytelling. By integrating historical scientific narratives with interactive VR environments, the project addresses the abstract and challenging nature of quantum physics in higher education.

The project focuses on enhancing student engagement and conceptual understanding, with particular attention to inclusivity and increasing female participation in STEM. Key outcomes include the development of VR-based learning modules, educational frameworks, and evaluation methodologies, supporting the long-term integration of immersive technologies into higher education curricula.

SAFER – Smart AI- and IoT-based Fire Extinguisher

Duration: 2026–2029 Programme: Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme (IRI S3) Coordinator: Pastor TVA d.d. (Croatia)

SAFER is an applied research and innovation project focused on the development of a next-generation smart fire extinguisher integrating Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

The system enables continuous monitoring of device status and environmental conditions, including pressure, temperature, smoke, hazardous gases, and air quality. Through connectivity with mobile applications and smart home systems, SAFER introduces a distributed early warning and fire prevention model.

The project delivers a functional prototype, digital platform, and validated solution for real-world deployment, contributing to improved safety and new IoT-driven services in residential environments.

AMICORC – Affective Multimodal Interaction based on Constructed Robot Cognition

Duration: 2021–2026 Programme: Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ)

AMICORC is a fundamental research project that develops a novel framework for cognitive and affective robotics, based on the Theory of Constructed Robot Cognition (TCRC).

The project investigates how robots can interpret and respond to multimodal social signals, including facial expressions, speech, movement, and environmental context. Moving beyond traditional sensor processing, the system enables context-aware reasoning, anticipation, and adaptive interaction.

The developed methodologies are validated on real and virtual robotic platforms, demonstrating applications in human–robot interaction, education, and embodied AI systems. AMICORC positions LAPIS at the forefront of research in cognitive systems, affective computing, and socially aware robotics.

Research Impact

Through these projects, LAPIS addresses key challenges in:

AI-driven intelligent systems and cognitive robotics
IoT, smart environments, and distributed sensing
immersive technologies and digital education
human-centered and adaptive interaction systems.

By combining scientific rigor with technological innovation, LAPIS contributes to the development of next-generation intelligent, connected, and human-aware systems aligned with Industry 4.0 and beyond.