Minas Katsiokalis

I am an eXtended Reality (XR) Software Engineer. I have experience on both handheld and head-mounted display (HMD) XR applications,, and I continuously explore the vast potential of XR technology. I have years of hands-on experience in Unity and .NET/C# framework, always investigating smart solutions and optimized methods. I am familiar with agile mythologies and tools. My goal is to contribute to the advancement of immersive technologies and uncover innovative and fun ways to enhance users''' experience. Constant improvement and education, is of high importance for me.

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Experience

XR Software Engineer

ANIMA RES GmbH

August 2024 - Present

Main responsibilities:

  • Contribute to the development pipeline of mobile and HMD applications across multiple platforms, including Apple Vision Pro, HoloLens, Android, and iOS.
  • Implement new features and enhancements for the company’s Insight app gallery, improving functionality and user experience.
  • Collaborate closely with 3D and technical artists to ensure high-quality visuals and optimal performance.
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade the company’s custom-built package system to support ongoing development needs.
  • Meet deadlines for publishing updates and new releases of applications (e.g. Insight Heart), ensuring alignment with project timelines and quality standards.

AR Software Engineer

Up2metric

October 2021 - July 2024

Main responsibilities:

  • Design & Implementation of Mobile AR applications using Unity Game Engine (Android/iOS).
  • Troubleshooting and problem-solving of AR related issues.
  • Integration of REST API calls into front-end interfaces
  • Responsible for prototyping, building and maintaining AR features.
  • Research on XR standards and specifications.

XR Software Engineer & Researcher

Technical University of Crete

September 2021 - March 2024

Main responsibilities:

  • Design & Implementation of XR HMD applications using Unity Game Engine (Hololens2/Meta Quest Pro)
  • Research on XR Collaborative environments, and moltimodal communication techniques.
  • Prototyping and testing on AR HMD features.
  • Responsible for management of human resources and effective communication.
  • Publication and attendance on international conferences in the field of XR.
  • Paper reviewer in IEEE VR 2023 & 2024
  • Participation in HORIZON EU Research Projects ( SUN XR, VARCITIES)

Graphics Lab Assistant

Technical University of Crete | Electrical & Computer Engineering

Spring Semester: 2022, 2023

As post-graduate student I contributed to my M.Sc supervisor’s courses:

  • Graphics Course (Undergraduate - 4th year):
    • Delivered practical instruction in Unity3D for desktop game development.
    • Designed, prepared, and tested semester-long student projects using Unity3D.
  • Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Course (Postgraduate):
    • Organized and guided the semester project, including use-case design, persona development, usability evaluation, UX design, prototyping, and web app implementation.
    • Contributed to the preparation, review, and evaluation of course materials and assignments.

AR Researcher & Developer

Technical University of Crete | Electrical & Computer Engineering

Septemebr 2018 - May 2020

During my last years as undergraduate and as work for my diploma thesis:

  • Develop a Mobile AR application for Android devices with Unity Game Engine.
  • Integrate navigation system using Mapbox SDK.
  • Research and testing on various AR SDKs: Vuforia, Wikitude, ARCore, ARkit etc.
  • Research on the field of Mobile AR (MAR).

Education & Training

MEng, Integrated Masters in Electrical and Computer Engineering
(5 Year Course - 300 ECTS)

Technical University of Crete

  • Thesis: "Outdoors Mobile Augmented Reality for Coastal Erosion Visualization Based on Geographical Data" - An AR mobile application developed in the Unity3D game engine for Android and iOS devices. In the two-year period of research and development of my thesis, I gained valuable experience in Unity3D using the most modern packages and frameworks.

Member of SURREAL TEAM

Technical University of Crete

Skills & Achievements

TOOLS

  • Programmaing Languages: C#, Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, C/C++, SQL
  • Game Engines: Unity3D, Unreal Engine
  • XR Framewaorks & SDKs: AR Foundation (ARCore/ARKit), Vuforia, MRTK (OpenXR, OculusXR), Meta XR SDK, Lightship ARDK
  • Versioning Control: Git
  • DataBases: PostgreSQL, MySQL

PERSONAL PROJECTS

  • Exploding View Tool (Unity Package): A Unity package for exploding view functionality on 3D models. Can be adjusted quickly to any given 3D model. Faster and more optimised workflow comparing to animate each part separately. Github Link
  • GoNature AR: An AR experience, designed for Hololens2 & Meta Quest devices, tailored for non-expert users utilizing mostly speech and audio interactions. The app communicates with a network of sensors through a REST API, and adapts dynamically the visual & audio effects and alternates the narration: Hololens2 Github Link, Meta Quest Github Link
  • CZAR: Georgioupolis: a Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) application for coastal erosion visualization on-sight and in real time. User can use his/her smart-device to experience possible disastrous outcomes to the beach of Georgioupoli due to coastal erosion phenomenon: Github Link
  • AlphabetARy: an AR mobile application for helping young children learn the Greek Alphabet alongside the teachers guidance. The user can scan a number of cards (one for each greek letter) to enable a virtual experience where an animal/object pops up with numerous animations and sounds: Github Link
  • IndoorNav: an AR mobile application for testing on Vuforia Area Targets for Indoor Navigation: Github Link
  • UnSentenced: A game that created for a the Brackeys GameJam 2023.1 with the theme "An end is a new Beginning". It was a collective effort of 8 person-team. Available on: WebGL and Windows. Role: Lead Developer: Itch.io
  • A random generated dungeon-like map, using 3D Binary Space Partitioning (BSP) algorithm. It separates planes randomly based on BSP creating smaller rooms and routes between them. Can be used as a random generated map creator on numerous applications: Github Link
  • 3D Mini Games made in Unity3D: Bowling 3D Game , Ball Racer 3D Game
  • 3D Mini Games made in Unreal Engine 4: Crystal Cavern, Marble Run

* More on my GitHub

PUBLICATIONS

  • "Engineering a BIM-Based Mixed Reality Application for the Life-Cycle Management of Buildings", International Conference on Extended Reality, XR Salento 2024 - Springer Link
  • "The Intersection of the Green and the Smart City: A Data Platform for Health and Well-Being through Nature-Based Solutions", MDPI, Smart Cities 2024, 7(1), 1-32 - Journal Article
  • "GoNature AR: Air Quality & Noise Visualization Through a Multimodal and Interactive Augmented Reality Experience", ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences (IMX’ 23) - ACM Library
  • "On the integration of nature-based solutions with digital innovation for health and wellbeing in cities", 7th International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Technologies (SpliTech) - IEEE Xplore
  • "Outdoors Mobile Augmented Reality for Coastal Erosion Visualization, based on Geographical Data", International Workshop on Cross-Reality (XR) Interaction @ ACM ISS 2020 - Workshop Proceedings

* Google Scholar

AWARDS

  • Best Demo Award - ACM International Conference on Interactive Media Experiences (IMX’ 23)
    Received "Best Demo Award" of the conference by Tobbi for the demo: "GoNature AR".
  • Winner of "Innovation" Category - Brackeys GameJam 2023.1
    Category winners for the game: "UnSentenced".

VOLUNTEERING

  • Paper reviewer in IEEE VR 2023 & 2024
  • Participation as a volunteer in Open Science Days held by Technical University of Crete, showcasing AR/VR applications to young audiences. As a member of SURREAL TEAM. | 04/2017,2018,2019
  • Participation as a volunteer in The Mediterranean Researchers’ Night - MEDNIGHT, as a member of SURREAL TEAM showcasing AR and VR experiences to the public audience in the streets of Chania in Crete. | 24/09/2021

SOFT SKILLS

  • Good communication and contact skills gained through my participation in conferences and presentations.
  • Excellent collaboration in teams, gained through my experience in my current positions.
  • Experienced in physical and online presentations.
  • Highly self-motivated and eager to learn new technologies and investigate solutions.
  • Problem-solving and learning ability.
  • Accountable.
  • Good sense of humor.

LANGUAGES

  • English (Fluent)
  • Greek (Native)
  • German (Beginner)