UCF researchers outline future of XR, AI in training at VRARA Immersive Technology Summit

By Cassidy Mills, Staff Writer

May 11, 2026

Researchers from the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation and Training (IST), discussed emerging trends in immersive technologies and applied research supporting the modeling, simulation and training (MS&T) industry at the fourth annual Central Florida Immersive Technology Summit, held April 15 at the Central Florida Tech Grove and hosted in partnership with the VR/AR Association (VRARA) Central Florida Chapter.

Supported by the U.S. Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation (AFAMS) and UCF, the event brought together government, industry and academic stakeholders to explore advances in modeling, simulation and training.

The summit served as a forum for examining how immersive tools are evolving across defense and commercial applications. This year’s theme, “Mission-Ready Immersion: XR, Simulation and AI Powering the Next Generation of MS&T,” guided panels, presentations and demonstrations highlighting operational use cases and emerging capabilities.

The panel session, “Latest Trends in Technologies and Applications & UCF Applied Research,” featured Carolina Cruz-Neira, executive director of both the Pegasus Research Institute (PRI) and UCF IST, and David Metcalf, Ph.D., director of the Mixed Emerging Technology Integration Lab (METIL) within IST.

Cruz-Neira highlighted the convergence of visualization, simulation and artificial intelligence, noting that immersive systems are becoming more adaptive and responsive. She emphasized integrating AI into XR environments is enabling training experiences that adjust in real time based on user interaction and performance.

“AI is allowing us to move beyond static simulations into environments that can interpret, respond and adapt in real time,” Cruz-Neira said. “That shift fundamentally changes how we prepare individuals for complex, unpredictable scenarios by making training as dynamic as the real world.”

Metcalf focused on the infrastructure needed to scale immersive learning across organizations, stressing the importance of interoperability, data standards and connected systems. He noted that long-term impact depends on linking platforms rather than developing isolated solutions.

“We have to think beyond individual applications and start building connected infrastructures where data can move across systems,” Metcalf said. “That’s what ultimately enables organizations to scale immersive training in a way that is sustainable and impactful.”

He added that future training architectures will rely on layered, interoperable capabilities that function as unified systems rather than standalone tools.

“This is about creating environments where capabilities work together to deliver a unified experience,” Metcalf said. “When everything is connected, you can start to see real gains in readiness and long-term adaptability.”

Cruz-Neira also emphasized UCF’s role in translating research into operational tools, including intelligent tutoring systems and adaptive immersive environments designed for real-world application.

“We are constantly pushing to translate research into systems that can actually be used in real operational settings at IST,” Cruz-Neira said. “The goal is to make training environments that are not only immersive, but also responsive to the learner in ways that improve understanding and performance.”

She said the integration of XR, AI and simulation is reshaping how training environments are designed to reflect real operational complexity.

“This convergence is what allows us to move from training systems that are limited in scope to environments that can better reflect the complexity of real-world missions,” Cruz-Neira said. “It’s a fundamental shift in how we think about preparing people for the demands they will actually face.”