Intelligent Avatars For Collaborative And Rehabilitative Extended Realities

ScholarLink Inc.; Kingston upon Thames; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Kingston University invites applications for a Ph.D. Studentship focused on intelligent, embodied avatars in Extended Reality (XR) environments to support collaborative and rehabilitative tasks.

The project blends conversational AI with motion synthesis to enable natural voice, gesture, and movement responses in real-time. Candidates should have a strong background in programming and AI, with honours (1st or 2:1) and preferably an MSc.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have first or upper second class honours, and preferably MSc in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related field.
• Strong background in programming and desire to become experts in AI and XR.
• Experience with XR tools, AI, and motion-related research is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop intelligent avatars for XR environments.
• Integrate conversational AI with motion synthesis.
• Create real-time responsive avatar systems.
• Support collaborative and rehabilitative tasks.

Skills

Programming

Artificial Intelligence

Extended Reality

Education

Honours degree (1st or 2:1)

MSc preferred

Job description

# Intelligent Avatars for Collaborative and Rehabilitative Extended RealitiesPh.D·Kingston University·Kingston University Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment·United KingdomPosition type: StudentshipLevel: Ph.DLanguage: English## About the PositionThis project explores the development of intelligent, embodied avatars in Extended Reality (XR) environments, aimed at supporting collaborative and rehabilitative tasks. By integrating conversational AI with generative models for human motion, these avatars will respond naturally to users through voice, gesture, and movement. The avatars must be interactive and capable of reacting to the human user’s actions in real time, enabling immersive, adaptive interactions that enhance engagement, motivation, and task performance.Current XR systems often rely on pre-scripted or rigid avatar animations, limiting realism and responsiveness. Recent advances in generative AI – especially deep learning models trained on large-scale motion capture data – now make it possible to synthesise realistic, diverse, and context-sensitive human motion in real time. This capability is essential for creating avatars that move in ways consistent with their speech, context, and role – whether demonstrating a rehabilitation exercise or guiding users through a collaborative task. Lifelike and situation-aware motion is particularly impactful in therapeutic and learning environments, where user perception, emotional engagement, and comprehension are closely tied to avatar believability.Candidates should have appropriate academic qualifications (first or upper second class honours, and preferably MSc) in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or other relevant area, strong background in programming and desire to become experts in Artificial Intelligence and Extended Realities.## Research Interests* Develop intelligent avatars for XR environments* Integrate conversational AI with motion synthesis* Create real-time responsive avatar systems* Support collaborative and rehabilitative tasks## Required Skills & Qualifications* Programming* Artificial Intelligence* Extended Reality## Other Requirements & Additional InfoThe project involves creating lifelike, context-sensitive avatars responsive to human interaction, utilizing recent advances in generative AI and motion synthesis.