CV-Projects-Publications

André Helgert

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Human Factors & Gender Studies - University of Applied Sciences Ruhr West
• Institute of Computer Science
• (email) andre.helgert@hs-ruhrwest.de
• (google scholar) https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=9oLSwT8AAAAJ&hl=en

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, Immersive Environments
• Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction
• Social Human-Robot Interaction, Generative Artificial Intelligence
• Diversity, Awareness Raising Methods

EDUCATION

(currenty) Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Bamberg/University of Applied Sciences Ruhr West, 2023 - ongoing
M.Sc. in Computer Science, University of Applied Sciences Ruhr West, 2019 - 2021
B.Sc. in Medical Computer Science, OTH Regensburg, 2014 - 2018

PUBLICATIONS

1. Lingnau, A., Strassmann, C., Helgert, A., Benjes, M., & Neumann, A. (2021). Learnflix: A tool for collaborative synchronous video-based online learning. In 2021 International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT) (pp. 119–121). IEEE.
2. Helgert, A., Eimler, S. C., & Arntz, A. (2021). Stop catcalling: A virtual environment educating against street harassment. In 2021 International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT) (pp. 419–421). IEEE.
3. Helgert, A., Eimler, S. C., & Arntz, A. (2021). Learning about catcalling: An interactive virtual gallery concept raising awareness for street harassment. In 2021 IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality (AIVR) (pp. 287– 294). IEEE.
4. Arntz, A., Eimler, S. C., Keßler, D., Thomas, J., Helgert, A., Rehm, M., Budur, B., … Wientzek, S. (2021). Walking on the bright sight: Evaluating a photovoltaics virtual reality education application. In 2021 IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality (AIVR) (pp. 295–301). IEEE.
5. Helgert, A., Zielinska, L., Groeneveld, A., Kloos, C., Arntz, A., Straßmann, C., & Eimler, S. C. (2022). DiSensity: Ein hochschulweites Virtual Reality Sensibilisierungsprogramm. In H. Söbke & R. Zender (Eds.), Wettbewerbsband AVRiL 2022 (pp. 17–22). Gesellschaft für Informatik. https://doi.org/10.18420/avril2022_03
6. Helgert, A., & Straßmann, C. (2022). What are you grateful for? Enhancing gratitude routines by using speech assistants. In CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems Extended Abstracts (pp. 1–7).
7. Helgert, A., Canbulat, A., Lingnau, A., & Straßmann, C. (2022). A framework for analyzing interactions in a video-based collaborative learning environment. In 2022 International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT) (pp. 125–127). IEEE.
8. 🏆 Helgert, A., Zielinska, L., Groeneveld, A., Kloos, C., Arntz, A., Straßmann, C., & Eimler, S. C. (2022). DiSensity: Ein hochschulweites Virtual Reality Sensibilisierungsprogramm.
9. Straßmann, C., Helgert, A., & Lingnau, A. (2022a). Effects of a collaborative videolearning-tool on flow perception, cognitive load and usability evaluation. In 4th International Conference on Higher Education Learning Methodologies and Technologies Online (HELMeTO 2022) (pp. 230–232).
10. Helgert, A., Groeneveld, A., & Eimler, S. C. (2022). A qualitative analysis of interaction techniques in a virtual reality instruction environment: Experiences from a case study. In 2022 IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality (AIVR) (pp. 171–175). IEEE.
11. Straßmann, C., Helgert, A., & Lingnau, A. (2022b). Psychological outcomes and effectiveness of a collaborative video-based learning tool for synchronous discussions. In International Workshop on Higher Education Learning Methodologies and Technologies Online (pp. 691–705). Springer Nature Switzerland Cham.
12. Helgert, A., Eimler, S. C., & Straßmann, C. (2023). Virtual reality as a tool for studying diversity and inclusion in human-robot interaction: Advantages and challenges. arXiv Preprint arXiv:2309.14937.
13. Straßmann, C., Helgert, A., Breil, V., Settelmayer, L., & Diehl, I. (2023). Exploring the use of colored ambient lights to convey emotional cues with conversational agents: An experimental study. In 2023 32nd IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN) (pp. 99–105). https://doi.org/10.1109/ROMAN57019.2023.10309310.
14. Heilmann, D., Helgert, A., & Eimler, S. C. (2024). Virtual reality for tinnitus education: Inspiring awareness and proactive behavioral changes. In 2024 IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and eXtended and Virtual Reality (AIxVR) (pp. 294– 300). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/AIxVR57995.2024.00053
15. Helgert, A., Elstrodt-Wefing, N., Möhring, M., & Straßmann, C. (2024). Integrating collaborative video-based learning for transdisciplinary case work in pedagogical and health-related education. In Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Higher Education Learning Methodologies and Technologies Online (HELMeTO 2024).
16. Helgert, A., Straßmann, C., & Eimler, S. C. (2024). Unlocking potentials of virtual reality as a research tool in human-robot interaction: A Wizard-of-Oz approach. In Companion of the 2024 ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (pp. 535–539). Association for Computing Machinery. https://doi.org/10.1145/3610978.3640741.
17. Helgert, A., Erle, L., Langer, S., Straßmann, C., & Eimler, S. C. (2024). Towards understandable transparency in human-robot-interactions in public spaces. In 2024 33rd IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (ROMAN) (pp. 1162–1169). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-3522-1_38
18. Barenbrock, J., Eimler, S. C., Helgert, A., & Straßmann, C. (2024). All too white? Effects of anthropomorphism on the stereotypical perception of robot color. In 2024 33rd IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (ROMAN) (pp. 89–96). IEEE.
19. Helgert, A., Straßmann, C., & Eimler, S. C. (2024). Conceptualizing and designing a virtual reality authoring tool for human-robot interaction studies: Learnings and guidance from expert interviews. In Proceedings of Mensch und Computer 2024 (pp. 331–341). Association for Computing Machinery. https://doi.org/10.1145/3670653.3670664.
20. Arntz, A., Helgert, A., Straßmann, C., & Eimler, S. C. (2024). Enhancing human-robot interaction research by using a virtual reality lab approach. In 2024 IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and eXtended and Virtual Reality (AIxVR) (pp. 340– 344). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/AIxVR59861.2024.00058.
21. Schulten, J., Helgert, A., Arntz, A., Straßmann, C., & Eimler, S. C. (2025). Merging realities: Exploring mixed reality as a research tool for human-robot interaction in real-world settings. In 2025 IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and eXtended and Virtual Reality (AIxVR). IEEE.
22. Helgert, A., Eimler, S., & Gross, T. (2025). A technical user study on an authoring tool for simplifying VR study setups in HRI research. In HRI ‘25: Proceedings of the 2025 ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (pp. 550–558). ACM/IEEE.
23. 🏆 Helgert, A., Eimler, S. C., & Gross, T. (2025). Beyond coding: Empowering HRI researchers with an authoring tool for simplified VR studies. In 2025 IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and eXtended and Virtual Reality (AIxVR) (pp. 290– 295). IEEE. (Best Demonstration Award)
24. Helgert, A., Weis, L., & Straßmann, C. (2025). Prompt it colorful with Rainbow Bot: Enhancing video-based collaborative learning by using a multi-party AI-driven chatbot. In Proceedings of the Extended Abstracts of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (pp. 1–7). ACM.
25. Helgert, A., Erle, L., Dittmann, A., Eimler, S. C., & Straßmann, C. (2025). Lost in Transparency? Exploring Uni- and Multimodal Transparency Declarations in Human-Robot Interaction. In 2025 34th IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN) (pp. 1272–1279). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/RO-MAN63969.2025.11217627
26. Helgert, A., Erle, L., Dittmann, A., Eimler, S. C., & Straßmann, C. (2025). When Robots Spill the Beans: Exploring Transparency Declarations in Human-Robot Interaction [Research poster]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17520493
27. Erle, L., Helgert, A., Dittmann, A., Straßmann, C., & Eimler, S. C. (2025). Tolerance for Technological Hiccups: Personality Predispositions and Responses to Erroneous Robotic Systems [Research poster]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17531060
28. Finkel, M., Erle, L., Timm, L., Arntz, A., Helgert, A., Straßmann, C., & Eimler, S. C. (2026). Need satisfaction in human-robot interactions in public spaces: A positive computing approach. International Journal of Social Robotics, 18(2), 21. Springer Netherlands.
29. Helgert, A., Straßmann, C., & Eimler, S. C. (2026). A decade of human-robot interaction through immersive lenses: Reviewing extended reality as a research instrument in social robotics. arXiv preprint arXiv:2602.15840. (Accepted by ICSR + Art 2026)
30. Eimler, S. C., Erle, L., Flood, D., Haiman, A., Häckert, L., Helgert, A., McGinness, L., & Yapici, B. (2026). The environmental cost of LLMs in AIED: Reporting and practices. In E. G. Blanchard, G. Chen, M. Chi, & S. Isotani (Eds.), Artificial Intelligence in Education. Late Breaking Results, WideAIED, Practitioners, Industry and Policies, Blue Sky, Doctoral Consortium, FoL Workshops and Tutorials, FoL Invited Papers (Communications in Computer and Information Science, Vol. 3032). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-29791-4_31
31. Helgert, A., Dossena, G. L., & Eimler, S. C. (2026). Experiencing the twin transition: A virtual reality application showcasing facets of the circular economy. In Proceedings of Mensch und Computer 2026. (Accepted).
32. Harmuth, G., Uboreck, J., Erle, L., Helgert, A., & Eimler, S. C. (2026). Connecting with rural identity: A low-threshold web-based digital spoil heap tour. In Proceedings of Mensch und Computer 2026. (Accepted).
33. Biyikli, O., Al Hakim, H., Dossena, G. L., Imort, R.-D., Helgert, A., & Eimler, S. C. (2026). Inside the blockchain: Embodied microlearning in virtual reality. In Proceedings of Mensch und Computer 2026. (Accepted).
34. Brokuf, A. S., Weiner, A., Helgert, A., & Eimler, S. C. (2026). Econauts: A gamification- and microlearning-based (mobile) approach to foster action competence within the circular economy transition. In Proceedings of Mensch und Computer 2026. (Accepted).
35. Barenbrock, J. M., Mory, K., Helgert, A., Erle, L., Imort, R.-D., Dossena, G. L., & Eimler, S. C. (2026). Watched, judged, ashamed? How bystander reactions shape stress, shame, and evaluation of a social robot in a public space. In Proceedings of Mensch und Computer 2026. (Accepted).
36. 🏆 Erle, L., Helgert, A., Straßmann, C., & Eimler, S. C. (2026). Who Are We Designing For? Insights from an Expert Workshop on Diversity in Human–Robot Interaction. In Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Social Robotics (ICSR 2026 + Art). (Conference forthcoming, Best Paper Finalist).

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

• Associate Chair for the 2026 ACM “Mensch und Computer” Conference
• Program Commitee Member for the 8th IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence & eXtended and Virtual Reality (AIxVR26)
• Program Commitee Member for the 7th IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence & eXtended and Virtual Reality (AIxVR25)
• Program Commitee Member for the 6th IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence & eXtended and Virtual Reality (AIxVR24)
• Program Commitee Member for the 2025 “Successful VR/AR learning scenarios” competition of the Society for Information Technology Germany (AVRiL25)
• Member of the FB1 Departmental Council at Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences (since 2025)
• Workshop Organizer for divHRI Workshop@IEEE RO-MAN 2023: Researching Diversity and Inclusion in Human-Robot Interaction: Methodological, Technical and Ethical Considerations
• Workshop Organizer for E3D Workshop@IEEE RO-MAN 2025: Joint International Workshop on Ethics, Legality, Diversity, and Design in Human-Robot Interaction

PROJECTS

• DiSensity – Virtual Reality for Diversity Awareness – DiSensity develops immersive VR scenarios that let participants experience everyday discrimination from multiple perspectives. The goal is to foster empathy and spark critical reflection.
• MoViAs – Emotion-Enriched Voice Assistants – MoViAs studies how speech assistants can pick up on and express emotions. By fusing prosody analysis, affective dialogue models, and user studies, the project seeks to make human-assistant conversations feel more natural
• DigiFall – Transdisciplinary Self-Assessment – DigiFall creates a digital self-assessment framework for both educational and healthcare settings. Learners, patients, and professionals receive feedback on competencies and well-being, enabling personalized learning paths and preventive interventions.
• RuhrBots – Citizen-Centric Social Robots – RuhrBots explores how friendly, easy-to-use robots can improve public services across Ruhr metropolitan city halls. Prototypes greet visitors, guide them through administrative processes, and collect feedback—always with data privacy and accessibility in mind.
• vGather2Learn – Collaborative Video-Based Learning – vGather2Learn turns passive video lectures into active group experiences. Integrated chat, shared annotations, and AI-powered prompts help learners co-construct knowledge and keep engagement high, whether in the classroom or fully online.
• Transferhub “Digitalization & Circular Economy” (Prosperkolleg) – The Transferhub strengthens knowledge exchange between academia and industry to accelerate the twin transition—digitalization and sustainability—across the northern Ruhr region. By mentoring companies on circular business models, data-driven resource loops, and startup creation, the hub showcases how former coal-mining cities can become hotspots for green innovation.

Awards

• AVRiL 2022 – Bronze Award  - Competition: “Successful VR/AR Learning Scenarios” - Contribution: “DiSensity – A University-Wide Virtual-Reality Awareness Program”
• HRWStarters – Special Prize  - Contest: HRWStarters Idea Competition - Idea: “DiSensity”
• Best Demonstration Award – IEEE AIxVR 2025  - Demo: “Beyond Coding: Empowering HRI Researchers with an Authoring Tool for Simplified VR Studies”
• Best Paper Finalist - ICSR + Art 2026 - “Who Are We Designing For? Insights from an Expert Workshop on Diversity in Human–Robot Interaction”

---

Letzte Aktualisierung: 2026-07-15