We are looking for curious and motivated master’s students to join an innovative research project on the simulation of microexpressions in virtual human faces for humanoid robotics and human-robot interaction. This thesis combines social robotics, facial expression modeling, computer animation, and user-centered evaluation, contributing to the development of more expressive and socially intelligent virtual agents.

Project Overview:

This master’s thesis focuses on the simulation and evaluation of human microexpressions in virtual faces and computer-based environments. Microexpressions are subtle and short facial movements that play an important role in social communication. The aim of this thesis is to investigate how such expressions can be modeled, implemented, and perceived in virtual humans or simulated humanoid agents.

Possible research directions include:

• Study of the physiological and expressive basis of human microexpressions
• Investigation of methods for modeling subtle facial expressions in virtual agents
• Simulation of microexpressions using animation and facial modeling tools such as Blender, Unity, Unreal Engine / MetaHuman, or related frameworks
• Exploration of facial action units, blendshapes, or similar techniques for implementing subtle facial movements
• Evaluation of user preferences and perception regarding realism, naturalness, and social acceptability

The thesis will help establish a foundation for future emotionally expressive virtual humans and humanoid robots by identifying suitable design approaches and perception-related challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct a structured review of literature on microexpressions, facial expression modeling, and human-robot interaction
• Investigate existing methods and tools for simulating subtle facial expressions in virtual environments
• Implement or prototype selected microexpression simulation approaches in a computer-based setting
• Design and analyze a user study to evaluate perceived realism, preference, and social impact

Who We’re Looking For:

• Strong interest in social robotics, virtual humans, humanoid robots, human expression, or human-robot interaction
• Background in robotics, biomedical engineering, computer science, HRI, computer graphics, animation, or a related field
• Interest in simulation, experimental design, and user-centered evaluation
• Independent, structured, and critical way of working
• Fluency in English

How to Apply:

If you are excited about expressive virtual humans and would like to contribute to research on artificial facial behavior, we invite you to apply exclusively via email, including your CV and complete transcript of records (GPA min. 2.5).

Subject: S2.1_Virtual Microexpressions

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