Metaverse Academy

P2MI-Community Service March - November 2024

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STE-ITB

Dr. tech. Wikan Danar Sunindyo, S.T, M.Sc.
STE-ITB

Muhammad Romadhon Al-ghazali, S.T., MBA
STE-ITB

Alisha Listya Wardhani
STE-ITB

Fakhri Muhammad Mahendra
STE-ITB

Angela Livia Arumsari
STE-ITB

Rava Maulana
STE-ITB

Abstract
Metaverse Academy is an initiative of the ITB Metaverse Lab, designed to explore and develop the potential of metaverse technology in education and research in Indonesia. Through a series of activities, such as Pre-Metaverse Day and Metaverse Day, the program aims to introduce and educate the younger generation about this technology.

The Pre-Metaverse Day activity was successfully implemented, bringing 120 participants to visit the Metaverse Lab. Metaverse Day is planned for February with the theme "Into the Metaverse: Mastering Emerging Realities through Education." This program is designed to focus not only on education but also includes in-depth research to explore the potential of the metaverse, including job opportunities in various sectors.

Through activities that integrate teaching, research, and community service, Metaverse Academy aims to prepare Indonesia's education and industrial ecosystems for digital transformation through metaverse technology.

Keyword: Metaverse, Education, Mixed Reality

Introduction
The development of metaverse technology, particularly mixed reality, currently shows very promising potential in various fields, particularly in the context of education and innovation development. In this technological development, there is an urgent need to prepare Indonesia's younger generation to understand, adopt, and develop metaverse technology innovatively. Various sectors such as technology, design, education, and entertainment are beginning to open up job opportunities that require specialized expertise in the metaverse.

Metaverse Academy is a program from the ITB Metaverse Lab that bridges the knowledge and skills gap in the metaverse technology ecosystem. Through a series of activities, this program aims to:
1. Introducing the infrastructure and capabilities of the metaverse laboratory
2. Provides hands-on experience with AR and VR technology
3. Facilitate discussion and knowledge transfer in the development of metaverse technology
4. Conduct research to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges in the metaverse ecosystem.

With this, Metaverse Academy is expected to become a platform for ITB's Metaverse Lab to integrate research, teaching, and community service in the field of new technologies.

Research Method
Pre-Metaverse Day
Several events will be held to achieve this goal. The first event is Pre-Metaverse Day. This event aims to introduce participants to the metaverse lab directly. The introduction includes a tour of the ITB metaverse lab and hands-on experience with the lab's equipment. This will enable participants to familiarize themselves with the lab's activities and gain hands-on experience using tools such as AR and VR.

Metaverse Day
The next event in the series is Metaverse Day. Metaverse Day carries the theme IMMERSE, namely "Into the Metaverse: Mastering Emerging Realities through Education." This Metaverse Day aims to introduce metaverse and mixed reality technology through an educational approach. This activity includes a seminar on the prospects for the development of the AR/VR world. This event is designed to facilitate discussions on current trends, provide in-depth insights, and open up opportunities for collaboration between participants and speakers. Through this activity, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the potential and opportunities of metaverse technology in various sectors.

This power metaverse is also a major part of the ITB Metaverse Lab roadmap, which integrates teaching elements,
research, and community service. With the theme "Into the Metaverse: Mastering Emerging Realities through Education," this event is expected to prepare Indonesia's younger generation to utilize metaverse technology innovatively and strategically.

Metaverse Research
One component of the Metaverse Academy is Metaverse Research. In the Metaverse Research program, lab assistants conduct research under the guidance of lab lecturers to produce high-quality papers based on in-depth research related to the technology, applications, or social impact of the Metaverse. The resulting papers will be submitted to national and international academic journals to expand scientific contributions and enhance the lab's academic reputation. This program also aims to disseminate research findings, open up opportunities for collaboration with external parties, and strengthen the capabilities of lab members throughout the research process, from problem formulation to publication, so that the Metaverse lab can become a center of innovation and knowledge in its field.

Discussion & Result
The Pre-Metaverse Day event was held at the ITB Ganesha metaverse lab. The event was attended by 120 participants, divided into three groups, who took turns visiting the ITB metaverse lab. Participants were briefed on the ITB metaverse lab's activities, including workshops and ongoing research. Afterward, participants were given the opportunity to try playing Beat Saber using MetaQuest 2 as an interactive learning tool for using VR technology.

Progress on the Metaverse Day event has reached a significant stage, with the core team formed and the event proposal successfully drafted. The core team is now preparing for the next steps, such as technical coordination, scheduling activities, and designing seminar materials. The event is scheduled for February.

Metaverse Research progress to date has included an in-depth literature study and the development of a research proposal focused on exploring LiDAR technology, such as that available on iPhone devices.
for the development of Augmented Reality (AR) applications. LiDAR technology is believed to improve the ease and accuracy of
in using AR, it enables a more intuitive and interactive experience for users.

Pre-Metaverse Day 2024
Metaverse Workshop

Conclusion
Metaverse Academy has shown significant progress in its efforts to introduce and develop metaverse technology in Indonesia. The successful implementation of Pre-Metaverse Day demonstrates the high level of public interest and enthusiasm for this technology. The ongoing preparations for Metaverse Day demonstrate a continued commitment to developing the metaverse ecosystem in Indonesia. Through ongoing research, particularly in the development of LiDAR technology for AR applications, the ITB Metaverse Lab demonstrates its potential as a center for metaverse technology innovation in Indonesia.