Clipe

Clipe focuses on educating researchers and innovators in the simulation and animation of virtual characters. As VR and AR technologies become increasingly integrated into everyday use, virtual characters play a critical role in these immersive environments. However, developing characters that function naturally, interact with users, and respond to designer controls demands specialized technical expertise combined with artistic capability—a resource-intensive undertaking typical of major video game development. Clipe's research initiative centers on advancing virtual characters for next-generation VR applications, specifically targeting natural behavior, user interaction within shared virtual spaces, and enhanced controllability for world designers.

The Clipe consortium brings together leading European organizations specializing in VR/AR, computer graphics, animation, psychology, and perception research. The organization identifies a critical gap: progress in interactive virtual character development is constrained by insufficient numbers of trained professionals with multidisciplinary competencies spanning computer animation, technology, and human factors. Clipe works to develop the next generation of researchers equipped to advance this field and strengthen innovation capacity in computer animation by integrating knowledge across multiple disciplines.

The training program exposes researchers to current research frontiers in areas including machine learning for character capability development, procedural animation for large-scale virtual populations, and perceptual evaluation of character simulation quality. Clipe also maintains partnerships with major industrial participants in virtual worlds, enabling participants to engage with real-world applications and establish connections beyond academic research. The comprehensive training prepares researchers with competencies applicable to both industry roles and startup ventures.