The field of engineering and advanced manufacturing has been rapidly evolving in the past few years. With new technologies emerging every day, it can be difficult for institutions of higher education to keep up with the latest trends in their curriculums. Not to mention, the costs associated with providing students with access to cutting-edge equipment and technologies can be incredibly high, putting a strain on universities and their budgets. However, with the advent of virtual labs, institutions of higher education can now provide students with access to expensive equipment and technologies without breaking the bank.
Dublin City University (DCU) is one such institution that has taken the leap towards innovative and immersive education by implementing a series of virtual labs for mechanical engineering and advanced manufacturing. The university's School of Engineering is set to begin implementing the virtual labs in September 2022, with the aim of teaching students how to operate the Aconity 3D printer, a laser beam metal powder 3D printer manufactured in Germany. The Aconity 3D printer is a highly advanced and expensive machine that can cost over 1 million euros. Moreover, its operation can be dangerous, as metal powders used in the printing process can be highly toxic and can ignite instantly in the presence of oxygen. To address these issues, DCU has partnered with PNX Labs, a technology company specialized in the development of industrial and scientific simulations for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) platforms.With PNX Labs VR simulations, students will learn how to operate the Aconity 3D printer step-by-step. From preparing the metal powder, installing the machine’s components, opening and closing the gas valves to working the Aconity software, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the printer's operation. Moreover, since the simulations are conducted in a virtual environment, students can learn how to operate the printer without any risks associated with handling toxic materials or expensive equipment.
Dublin City University has become the first institution of higher education in the world to implement an advanced manufacturing virtual lab. The university has also invested in PNX Labs solutions to develop a Universal Tension Test Machine simulator based on the Zwick Z050 instrument and a Chemistry Laboratory for Ion Chromatography instrumentation. These virtual labs not only help students learn faster but can also bring expensive technology to their hands in many cases.
The cost of providing students with access to expensive equipment and technologies can be prohibitive for many institutions of higher education. However, with virtual labs, universities can provide students with access to cutting-edge equipment and technologies without breaking the bank. Virtual labs not only provide students with access to expensive equipment and technologies, but they also offer several other benefits that traditional labs cannot match.
One of the most significant benefits of virtual labs is their scalability. In traditional labs, the number of students who can participate in an experiment is limited by the number of available pieces of equipment. However, in virtual labs, an unlimited number of students can participate in an experiment simultaneously, as long as they have access to a computer or VR headset.
Virtual labs also offer collaborative interactions that traditional labs cannot match. In traditional labs, students often work individually on experiments, limiting their ability to collaborate with their peers. In virtual labs, students can work collaboratively on experiments, increasing their ability to learn from each other and gain a deeper understanding of the material.
Moreover, virtual labs offer faster training than traditional labs. In traditional labs, students often spend a significant amount of time setting up experiments, which can be time-consuming and tedious. In virtual labs, experiments can be set up instantly, allowing students to focus on the core aspects of the experiment and gain a deeper understanding of the material.
In terms of psychological benefits, virtual labs offer a more engaging and interactive learning experience than traditional lecture-based instruction. Virtual labs can be designed to incorporate gamification elements such as rewards and badges, which can motivate students to continue learning and improve their understanding of the subject matter.
In conclusion, virtual labs offer numerous advantages over traditional lab settings. They provide a risk-free environment for experimentation, can be customized to meet specific needs, are cost-effective, and can be accessed from anywhere. From a psychological perspective, virtual labs offer a more engaging and interactive learning experience that can promote collaboration and teamwork.
