Bridging Distances wiht Cutting-Edge Technology

In a groundbreaking advancement for medical education, the Johannes Kepler University (JKU) in Linz and the Medical University of Graz have established a pioneering virtual 3D hearing room. This innovative setup allows students in Linz to attend live, stereoscopic 3D lectures on virtual anatomy and observe physical preparations conducted over 200 kilometers away in Graz. This initiative, recognized with the prestigious Inavation Award in the “Healthcare” category in 2025, marks a notable leap forward in how anatomical knowledge is disseminated and absorbed.

The Genesis of Innovation: Ars Electronica’s Role

the technological backbone of this virtual classroom is the brainchild of Ars Electronica Futurelab, renowned for its award-winning projects like JKU medSPACE and Cinematic Anatomy x Deep Space. The core software, developed by ars Electronica, tackles the formidable challenge of transmitting vast amounts of data required for high-resolution 3D streaming. This ensures a seamless and immersive learning experiance for students, regardless of their physical location.

A Collaborative Effort: Combining Virtual and Physical Anatomy

Under the guidance of Prof. Franz Fellner in Linz, virtual anatomy is brought to life, while Prof. Niels Hammer and his team in Graz showcase physical preparations. The virtual 3D hearing room fosters real-time interaction between instructors and students, enabling a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships within the human body. This synergy between physical specimens and virtual models aims to enhance comprehension and retention of anatomical knowledge. the project is a collaborative effort between the universities and technology experts from Ars Electronica Futurelab, Outstanding Media, and system integrator PKE.

The goal is an even deeper understanding of the relationships between the human body when physical preparations and virtual teaching meet.

Cinematic Anatomy x Deep Space: A Closer Look

the “Virtual Anatomy” course leverages the power of Cinematic Anatomy x Deep Space, a software solution that allows for the visualization of organs, blood vessels, muscles, and other structures as incredibly detailed 3D objects. Users can manipulate these models, isolating or concealing individual components with ease.As 2021, these visualizations have been showcased in the JKU medSPACE in Linz, accommodating up to 100 students who experience the lectures in stereoscopic 3D with 8K resolution on a massive 14 x 7 metre screen.

Graz’s Cutting-Edge Infrastructure

To complement the virtual habitat, Graz has invested in a state-of-the-art technical infrastructure for its virtual 3D hearing room. Up to 500 students can now follow lectures on a 7 × 4 meter LED wall in 4K and stereoscopic 3D. Furthermore, a specialized 4K Mirror-Rig camera is employed to film anatomical preparations in 3D, representing another world-first achievement. The technical planning for the lecture hall’s infrastructure was meticulously executed by Outstanding Media and implemented by PKE Electronics.

Real-Time Rendering and Low-Latency Streaming

The system allows for seamless content sharing between Linz and graz. Given the interactive nature of the lectures, where instructors at both locations engage in dialog, low-latency streaming is paramount. To achieve this, the Cinematic Anatomy x deep Space content, originally controlled in linz, is rendered in real-time in Graz. The 3D camera images are transmitted from Graz to Linz as a stereoscopic ultra HD video with 7680 × 2160 resolution at 60Hz. The presentation of these 3D images demands remarkable resolution and brightness, coupled with lossless, synchronous transmission and identical latency from the 3D camera.

The Future of Medical Education

This collaborative project between JKU Linz and Med Uni Graz exemplifies the transformative potential of technology in medical education. by bridging geographical distances and combining virtual and physical learning experiences, students gain a more comprehensive and engaging understanding of human anatomy. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative approaches to revolutionize the way medical professionals are trained.