The ICT Virtual Human Toolkit is a set of tools and resources designed to help researchers and developers create realistic and engaging digital characters. Since 2009, this toolkit has been the foundation for all research at ICT on conversational AIs — computer programs that can interact with people like a human would. It has been used in various projects, including ELITE SHARP trainers and VITA.

The Affective Computing Group focuses on understanding how emotions affect both human interactions and interactions between humans and machines. This includes studying how to automatically recognize emotions from different signals, creating computer models of how emotions develop and influence thinking, and applying these methods to improve teamwork between humans and machines, train people in social skills and expand knowledge about human emotions.

Virtual characters are digital humans that can talk, move and interact, and they are important for entertainment, training and education. The main goal of the ICT Vision & Graphics Lab (VGL) is to make these characters look as realistic as possible, including lighting them in a way that looks natural. To achieve this, VGL uses their award-winning “Light Stage” technology, developed at ICT, to create high-quality visual details. VGL also works with major film companies like Sony Pictures Imageworks and WETA Digital.

The Modeling and Simulation Group creates interactive and educational experiences to help train and support military personnel. They bring together researchers, experts, writers and game designers to make these experiences both interesting and useful. They’ve successfully handed over several of their advanced training tools to the U.S. Department of Defense, including a disaster simulation program and various strategic training games for the Naval Postgraduate School.

A cognitive architecture is a proposed model of how a mind works, whether in people or machines. It focuses on the basic structures needed to create intelligent behavior and how these structures work with knowledge and skills to handle various complex situations. The aim of this project is to create a smart system that can support virtual humans and possibly intelligent robots, and ideally, help us better understand human thinking.

The Rapid Integration & Development Environment (RIDE) is a key R&D platform that speeds up the development of simulation technologies for the U.S. Department of Defense. It quickly creates and tests new ideas for the Army’s Synthetic Training Environment and is now also used for various Navy and Air Force projects. RIDE offers a shared space where researchers and developers can experiment with real-time modeling and simulation to see what’s possible.

The ICT Learning Sciences group studies how AI can improve learning and help students achieve their goals. Our mission is to research and apply effective AI methods to make education better and fairer. We also focus on creating tools that help teachers and content creators use AI to develop and adjust educational materials. We drive innovation through our research projects and two centers: the AI Research Center of Excellence for Education and the USC Center for Generative AI and Society.

The Body Computing & Human Performance Lab is a research center focused on improving health, wellness and human performance using digital tools and data. It aims to create better health resources for both service members and the general public.

The lab brings together experts in human performance, digital technology and healthcare, including sensor and app developers, strategists and designers. They work together to test and develop new technologies that enhance health and performance.

Established in 2012, the USC Kaufman School of Dance embodies the power of artistic innovation and dedication. Through its cutting-edge research and innovative dance education, the school cultivates a profound passion for dance while preparing the next generation of dancers, choreographers and leaders in the industry. By fostering a spirit of interdisciplinary learning and collaboration with renowned artists, the program propels its students toward success and empowers them to make a lasting impact on the dance world.

The mission of USC Roski School of Art and Design is to enrich the dynamic research and creative communities of USC, Los Angeles and beyond. By providing an immersive studio curriculum rooted in historical and critical discourse, the USC Roski School aims to foster creativity and cultivate the analytical thinking skills necessary for artists and designers in the 21st century. Programs are designed to challenge students to illuminate, question and reshape how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Faculty and students collaborate to explore innovative hybrid forms of art, design and critical studies, collaboratively envisioning and shaping the future.

The USC School of Architecture is a dynamic hub dedicated to educating and motivating future architects to confront challenges and create design solutions that envision a brighter built environment. USC architecture faculty and alumni have pushed the limits to introduce groundbreaking practices for over a century. Located in Los Angeles and connected to worldwide concerns, USC architects and academics work with communities to gain understanding and become adept and bold professionals who generate innovative solutions.

For almost a century, the USC School of Cinematic Arts has been a launching pad for visionary talent in cinema, television and new media. Since its founding in 1929, the school has combined cinematic theory with hands-on practice, preparing graduates for success in the entertainment industry. Our programs attract creative minds worldwide, providing a unique opportunity to explore and expand artistic potential in Los Angeles — the world’s entertainment capital. Taught by industry leaders and academic experts, the USC School of Cinematic Arts curriculum challenges students to refine their vision and contribute to a lasting artistic tradition.

The USC School of Dramatic Arts believes in empowering artist-scholars to redefine the future of entertainment. Its dedicated faculty from the industry and exceptional production opportunities in Los Angeles equip our students with hands-on experience to forge successful careers. Our unwavering commitment to professional growth and programs such as the Institute for Theatre & Social Change cultivate empathetic and innovative storytellers prepared to confront the world’s obstacles.

Established in 1884, the USC Thornton School of Music inspires musical excellence and collaboration, blending the rigorous training of a conservatory with the depth of a top research university. Our world-class faculty and diverse programs, including early music, popular music, orchestral performance, screen scoring, jazz, composition and the music industry, provide students with the tools to pursue their passions. USC Thornton opens doors to exceptional career-building opportunities, nurturing the next generation of musical talent.