In a move to modernize its engineering education and expand its digital learning footprint, the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico has partnered with PNX Labs to develop a cutting-edge series of XR (Extended Reality) virtual labs focused on Fluid Mechanics. Designed to be accessible across XR headsets, Windows PCs, and standard HTML browsers, these interactive labs aim to bring complex fluid dynamics experiments directly to students—whether they're on campus or learning remotely.
The initiative is part of the university’s broader strategy to enhance its online offerings while also giving on-campus students access to high-end virtual instrumentation that would otherwise be costly or space-prohibitive. Students will be able to engage in virtual experiments on critical topics such as pressure loss in pipes, orifice calibration, flow measurement, jet impact, and more—all in an immersive, interactive environment.
PNX Labs is known globally for its precise and curriculum-aligned virtual lab experiences. For this project, the company worked closely with faculty and subject matter experts from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico to tailor the simulations specifically to the institution’s fluid mechanics coursework. The XR labs are engineered to replicate real-world experimental data and behaviors, ensuring students receive a learning experience that closely mirrors that of traditional physical labs.
Already in use by more than 150 universities worldwide, PNX Labs’ virtual environments—including their widely adopted Thermodynamics and Mechanics of Materials modules—are recognized for transforming the way technical subjects are taught. This collaboration marks another step forward in the integration of immersive technologies into higher education, offering scalable, cost-effective, and highly engaging alternatives to traditional lab setups.
By adopting these technologies, the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico continues to position itself at the forefront of innovation in engineering education—empowering its students with the tools and experiences needed to excel in a technology-driven world.
Starting in September Lamar University in Texas will use for the first time a series of Virtual Labs for Engineering. Students will be able to do multiple experiments in both Windows PCs and VR Headsets, perform calculations, record data and modify key variables with real instrument models. All the data used to develop the simulations was gathered from real experimentation so students and professors can be confident the same data generated by the virtual labs will math that of the real world.
Very few universities around the world are innovative enough to make great ideas come true. Starting in January 2022, Dublin city University will implement a series of virtual labs to train students in the use of specialized equipment for chemical engineering. Developed by PNx Labs, the first set of virtual labs will allow students to learn the experimentation procedures to analyze substances using ion chromatography instruments. These instruments are not just expensive but require very careful handling and operation. Students are usually supervised by experienced graduate students or lab technicians. By implementing VR Simulations, DCU students will be able to learn in a risk-free environment how to use these chemistry instruments and speed the training process so they can be ready go into the physical lab much faster.
