📣 I’m recruiting 1–2 #HCI PhD students interested in spatial computing, #AR, and #HRI. More information: parastooabtahi.com/applicants

If you’re interested, apply to Princeton CS by Dec 15 and mention my name in your application.

In #AR, using real-time on-device 3D Gaussian splatting, we create the illusion that physical changes occur instantaneously, while a hidden robot fulfills the “reality promise” moments later, updating the physical world to match what users already perceive visually. 🤖

Even virtual agents’ actions can have physical effects, with motion paths that divert attention from the hidden robot. 🐝


Beyond materializing physical objects (seemingly out of thin air), users can manipulate out-of-reach objects via RealityGoGo — creating the illusion of telekinesis. 🪴

In #VR, users can experience “magical” interactions, such as moving distant virtual objects with the Go-Go technique. How might we similarly extend people’s abilities in the physical world? 🪄

Excited to share Reality Promises, our #UIST2025 paper, led by the amazing Mo Kari ✨

Check out Lauren Wang’s #UIST2025 poster on GhostObjects: life-size, world-aligned virtual twins for fast and precise robot instruction, with real-world lasso selection, multi-object manipulation, and snap-to-default placement.

This is the first piece in her ongoing work on #AR for #HRI 🤖👓