Northampton University develops AI-powered VR headset to help people overcome phobias
New technology uses virtual reality to deliver immersive therapy at home
Researchers at the University of Northampton have developed a new virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) headset designed to help people overcome severe phobias and trauma in the comfort of their home.
The research team began developing the prototype around the start of 2024 and claims that the device transforms Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – a widely used treatment for trauma – into a fully immersive virtual experience.
The team says the new technology aims to provide faster, more accessible and cost-effective care, particularly for those facing long NHS waiting lists or living in underserved communities.
Dr Mu Mu, Professor of Human-Centred Data Intelligence at the University of Northampton said:
‘’The reason that we want to use the technology like immersive media like virtuality and AI to enable the MDR treatment is because we want to improve people’s access to it treatment.
‘’The wait list to be seen could be as long as 18 months, once you've booked with the EMDR therapist. Then you have the travel to specialised centres, and you have to have weekly treatment for 12 weeks- which can be a burden for people to travel to.’’ Dr Mu Mu added.
Dr Mu Mu says that the VR headset could transform how therapy is delivered to patients, by offering a safe and immersive at home experience without the need for clinical procedures.
‘’ Using the headset, you will see yourself sitting the on a garden bench in a in a quiet relaxed cottage garden.''
‘’You just basically sit there, relax and there will be breathing exercises, grounding techniques just to help you to relax whilst a voice guides you. And once you're ready, you can move the next phase of the treatment process.’’ Dr Mu Mu added.
Researchers say a clinical study in partnership with St Andrew’s Healthcare tested the therapy with 17 participants who had intense phobias.
Over 85 sessions, the findings showed:
- 76% of participants improved according to the IAPT Phobia Scale.
- 94% reported improvement across symptom domains such as thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
Dr Mu Mu says that the research team’s next steps include expanding clinical trials, exploring NHS partnerships as well as looking into offering this type of therapy to young people. He explained:
‘’Both EMDR and VR are techniques that will work well with young people or children. So that's one area we're looking at and whether this unique combination of EMDR and VR technology can benefit the children especially.
‘’We are continuously developing the technology to improve and we're excited about the opportunities and the impact of this work.’’