The Immersive Science Communication Open Laboratory (ISCOLab) of the University of the Philippines Open University’s (UPOU) Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) showcased its augmented reality (AR) projects under development to representatives from Rokid Philippines during their visit to UP Open University on 3 September 2025.
Held at the ISCOLab Physical Laboratory at the UPOU World Class Multimedia Production Building (soon to be Digital Futures Hub), Project Leader and FICS Dean Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr. warmly welcomed Mr. Mcgyver Yu, CEO of Rokid Philippines, and his colleague, Architect Joey Rivas, to converse about ISCOLab’s ongoing science communication initiatives.
BAMS Student Hannah Gabriella Macaldo demonstrates ISCOLab’s existing augmented reality applications, including her capstone project, deployed under the augmented reality glasses’ operating system.
Among the list of initiatives was the AR application for identifying flora and fauna in UPOU’s PERMAG.A.R.D.E.N. (Growing Appreciation toward Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship and Nutrition), which was developed by Master of Information Systems Student Hanes Ongos during the course of their internship in ISCOLab. Using 360-degree photos, users can tour the vicinity and click on interactive areas to trigger an index of the identified species, accompanied by a 3D-mapped image of each species.
BAMS Student Antoni Ernest Paul Mercado guides Mcgyver Yu of Rokid Philippines in testing the Agent User Interface (AIUI) application for UPOU PERMA G.A.R.D.E.N.
Extending this concept to wearable technology, Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) Student Antoni Ernest Paul Mercado also developed an Agent User Interface (AIUI) for UPOU PERMA G.A.R.D.E.N, designed for use with augmented reality glasses. The AIUI allows users to issue verbal prompts to the glasses to identify flora and fauna species detected through the glasses’ visual input.
Mcgyver Yu talks about their vision for using augmented reality glasses for science education and communication initiatives.
During the meeting, Yu and Rivas also shared insights on the future of immersive technologies in education, particularly in educational field trips and immersive science experiences. Rivas briefly shared their experience on recreational projects on immersive tours using mixed reality equipment. They highlighted the potential of immersive technology to transform educational tours by providing more on-demand immersive experiences amid increasing environmental uncertainties brought about by inclement weather and socioeconomic challenges.
Architect Joey Rivas (center left) and Rokid Philippines CEO Mcgyver Yu (center right) shares their experiences from the AR-AI industry with the ISCOLab Staff.
Supporting ISCOLab’s vision for immersive futures, Yu and Rivas made available a pair of augmented reality glasses and a mixed reality wearable device to ISCOLab. The said equipment will be used to explore and develop immersive technology applications for science communication. In recognition of their efforts, the guests were awarded certificates of appreciation for participating in the knowledge exchange activity.
The engagement marked FICS’s second engagement with Rokid Philippines. The company previously participated as an exhibitor at the World Immersive Learning Laboratories held on 4-6 March 2026, where it showcased AR technology.
Through ISCOLab, FICS continues to explore the potential of immersive technologies in advancing education, fostering innovation, and supporting meaningful communication.
Written by: Maria Andrea Bodaño
Edited by: Shaira Tanay