Jean-Luc Lugrin

University of Würzburg, Teesside University

Papers

Total Citations

149

H-Index

About

Jean-Luc Lugrin is a leading researcher in virtual reality (VR) and human-computer interaction, whose work fundamentally explores how we perceive and inhabit digital worlds. His primary research areas include avatar embodiment, the illusion of virtual body ownership (IVBO), and the psychological factors that underpin presence in VR. His most impactful contribution is a landmark 2015 study on avatar anthropomorphism, which systematically demonstrated how different levels of avatar realism—from a humanoid robot to a block-man—affect users' sense of body ownership in immersive environments. This work, with 135 citations, has become a cornerstone for understanding how virtual bodies shape our experience of reality. Lugrin has also pioneered investigations into causal perception in VR, arguing that our innate understanding of cause-and-effect is crucial for creating believable interactions and enhancing presence. More recently, he has ventured into social robotics, designing a Robot Game Master that autonomously narrates and role-plays in tabletop games, showcasing a novel integration of AI and interactive storytelling. Through these contributions, Lugrin continues to bridge the gap between psychological theory and practical VR design.