VIRTUAL BODYWORKS SL

Their core work

Virtual Bodyworks is a Barcelona-based SME that develops virtual reality applications centered on embodiment — the experience of inhabiting a virtual body. They apply VR embodiment techniques to behavioral change and health interventions, including programs for gender violence rehabilitation and obesity management. Their work sits at the intersection of neuroscience, social psychology, and immersive technology, translating academic research on body ownership illusions into practical therapeutic and social tools.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Virtual Bodyworks started with a focused SME Phase 1 feasibility study (VRespect.Me, 2019) exploring VR for gender violence offender rehabilitation — a niche but socially impactful application. They quickly scaled to coordinating a full Innovation Action (SOCRATES, 2020-2023) applying embodiment to obesity and lifestyle change, signaling a pivot toward health applications. Most recently, they joined the larger GuestXR research consortium (2022-2025), broadening into social XR with machine learning, affective computing, and multi-sensory interaction.

They are evolving from single-application VR tools toward AI-enhanced, multi-sensory extended reality platforms for health and social well-being — expect future work combining embodiment, reinforcement learning, and affective computing.

How they like to work

Virtual Bodyworks prefers to lead: they coordinated 2 of their 3 projects, indicating confidence in managing EU-funded work despite being a small company. With 9 unique partners across 6 countries, they build diverse international consortia rather than relying on a fixed circle. Their progression from a solo SME-1 instrument to coordinating an IA and participating in a larger RIA shows a deliberate growth strategy in consortium complexity.

They have collaborated with 9 distinct partners across 6 countries in just 3 projects, indicating they build fresh, purpose-assembled consortia rather than recycling the same network. Their base in Barcelona positions them well within Spain's strong VR and neuroscience research ecosystem.

What sets them apart

Virtual Bodyworks occupies a rare niche: they are one of very few SMEs that commercialize neuroscience-backed VR embodiment research into applied interventions. While many VR companies focus on entertainment or training simulations, this team specifically targets behavioral and health outcomes through body ownership illusions. Their academic-to-product pipeline — validated through both coordinated and collaborative EU projects — makes them a credible bridge between neuroscience labs and real-world deployment.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SOCRATES
  Their largest project (EUR 553K) as coordinator, directly applying VR embodiment to obesity — a clear product-oriented health intervention with commercial potential.
• GuestXR
  Participation in a multi-partner RIA combining XR with machine learning and affective computing signals their expansion into AI-driven social interaction platforms.
• VRespect.Me
  Their origin story — an SME Phase 1 exploring VR for gender violence rehabilitation, a socially bold application that demonstrates the team's willingness to tackle difficult behavioral challenges.