Starting in October 2020, UVM Mexico, a private education institution with more than 100,000 students will begin using virtual labs for some of their courses. As a start they will begin using the Oculus Rift to allow professors to do online VR simulations for engineering mechanics. More specifically, materials tests such as compression, tension, torsion and many more. These experiments are an important component in engineering education and due to the COVID-19 it is impossible for students to conduct these experiments. The only available solutions in the market are videos and very simple simulations that are low quality and don't provide the students with valuable data.
In 2019 UVM Mexico started using PNX Labs in a pilot program for Chemical Engineering. Professors and students participated in a pilot test where several experiments where conducted in VR using the Oculus Rift. The results showed that even professors +60 years old are capable of using these technologies with very limited training. The key is to make the labs intuitive where students and faculty spend less time learning how to move around the virtual world and more time learning and enjoying the virtual labs experience.
Virtual Labs for Mechanics and Chemistry are scarce when it comes to specialized equipment and often universities have a hard time finding simulations that do match their content requirements. There is where PNX labs makes a difference. Some of the Virtual Labs being used by UVM in Mexico are.
1. Virtual Lab Mechanics - Tension Test
2. Virtual Lab Mechanics - Bending Test Simple Supported Beam
3. Virtual Lab Mechanics - Bending test cantilever beam
4. Virtual Lab Mechanics - Torsion Test
5. Virtual Lab Mechanics - Brinell Hardness Test
6. Virtual Lab Mechanics - Rockwell Hardness Test
7. Virtual Lab Mechanics - Spring Test
8. Virtual Lab Mechanics - Compression Test
9. Virtual Lab Mechanics - Izod Impact Test
10. Virtual Lab Mechanics - Charpy Impact Test
The VR experience was possible with the Oculus Quest. The university made a purchase of 2 VR headsets. The simulations will also be available in for windows platforms to allow students to learn from real experimentation from the comfort of their homes. Virtual labs will not only allow students to learn but will also open the doors for future online learning platforms. Nowadays education faces several challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis faced by several nations. This will increase the adoption of virtual labs since they are the only mean to educate students in STEM programs where laboratory experiences are important.
At PNX Labs we are fully committed to deliver the best customized virtual labs in the market. By using our proprietary platform we have been able to develop over 1000 Virtual experiments since April 2020 to help universities around to continue with their education agenda.