Papers by Keyword: Virtual Reality (VR)

Abstract: This review investigates the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) in mechanical and mechatronic engineering education within African settings, focusing on its applications in hands – on training, laboratory simulations and expanding access to quality instruction. By analyzing case studies and empirical data, we demonstrate that VR-based training reduces task completion times by 75 % compared to traditional methods while improving spatial understanding, learner engagement and knowledge retention. Key applications include immersive virtual labs for torsion testing, universal testing machines and safety training for high–risk scenarios. Despite challenges such as hardware costs limited infrastructure and curriculum integration, VR offers scalable and inclusive solutions that democratize access to high – quality engineering education. This work highlights VR’s role as a critical enabler of next-generation pedagogy, in resource–constrained environments, urging educators and institutions in African settings to adopt immersive technologies to bridge the gap between theoretical instruction and industry demands.

Abstract: As the manufacturing industry rapidly evolves with the emergence of virtual and augmented reality technologies, engineering education must adapt to prepare students for these advancements. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for integrating Virtual reality (VR and Augmented reality (AR) into computer-aided manufacturing curricula at the university level. The framework outlines strategies for incorporating immersive technologies into traditional CAD and CAM coursework, aiming to enhance student’s understanding of complex manufacturing processes and improve their practical skills. By leveraging tools such as Siemens NX VR module and AR platforms, the framework facilitates a more interactive and engaging learning environment, allowing students to visualize, manipulate, and test designs in a virtual space before physical production. The study also discusses the challenges of implementing VR and AR in educational environments, including technical, financial, and pedagogical considerations, and provides solutions to address these issues. The results suggest that integrating VR and AR can significantly enrich the educational experience, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for the future of digital manufacturing.

Abstract: Physical rehabilitation is required to support functional therapy in patients with restricted function in their body caused by cerebral, spinal, or muscular disorders. We sought to investigate the feasibility of medical and healthcare applications of the Kinect v2 motion capture devices and a head mount display in response to practical medical needs, including: (1) a Timed Up and Go test, and a walking rehabilitation support system; and (2) rehabilitation assistance using virtual reality feedback. The prototype systems demonstrate that the ICT-based rehabilitation equipment offers the objective and effective assessment of physical deficits in patients with conditions such as stroke or Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Enrolling in the current trends of using collaborative virtual environments and virtual reality techniques for engineering applications, the current paper presents the synthetic results of a research in which an innovative method and software application were developed for analyzing and simulating the Assembly/Disassembly (A/D) operations of mechanical products. Starting from the 3D CAD model of an assembly and using connection interface and mobility operator concepts, the application supports the designers in generating valid A/D plans by determining the interfaces between components, calculating the components mobility and identifying the functional role of components in an assembly. Thus, the developed software provides designers an automated tool for analyzing A/D operations, obtaining and simulating A/D sequences, useful in the design phase of a mechanical product, for training the operators, as well as for improving the productivity of activities such as recycling, maintenance and reusing. Moreover, the application was conceived so that, in a further step, to be integrated in an immersive environment, offering a realistic simulation in two modes of interaction: free mode and kinematically guided. Finally, in order to validate the proposed methods and concepts, the application was tested for evaluating users’ satisfaction degree.

Abstract: In this paper is presented a Virtual Reality application that can be used for automatic generation of robot trajectories for spray painting operations conducted on products with complex surfaces. The trajectory generation for robots that perform painting operations of complex curved surfaces was achieved by implementing a generic algorithm capable of maintaining an optimal distance for painting. The distance between the effecter of the robot and the surface of the CAD model, used to compensate and maintain an optimal painting distance, is determined by a "rayhit" collision detection algorithm that allows the detection of the contact between a linear segment and the mesh of the virtual object. To visualize in the virtual environment the deposition of paint layers, an algorithm was implemented that is based on mapping techniques for dynamically generated textures on the surface that is being painted. A VR software application was developed for generating and visualizing the trajectories of a KUKA robotic system that performs the activity of painting a complex curved product.

Abstract: The paper presents the conception of integration of a robot virtual model with its virtual control system. The system of connections between the virtual world and the control system of a virtual model, proposed in the work, should let for developing the technical approach allowing teaching the manual programming of robots. In the paper attempted to define particular subsystems included in the proposed system for teaching programming of robots. In the work it have been distinguished problems that should be solved in order to properly create the proposed virtual system, and namely problems related to the: creation of a robotic system model in CAD systems, including modelling of a robot and its technological equipment; modelling of functioning of a real system in the applications of the VR (Virtual Reality) class; creation of a robot control system basing on a high level programming language (control application); elaboration of a virtual robot control panel (hardware interface); determination of the appropriate stereoscopic projection system and creation of the interfaces between the particular subsystems.

Abstract: For the current safety management of enterprise, this paper describes the modern safety management based on the network environment. The system of major hazard installation (MHI) and its surrounding three-dimensional (3D) geographic information simulation is developed by using virtual reality (VR) technology to establish a digital virtual environment (VE) of petrochemical enterprise. Safety information simulation of petrochemical enterprise, which can be browsed through Web page and managed by human-computer interaction (HCI), is achieved by the seamless integration with the network. The safety management system (SMS) which is characterized by networking and digitization is eventually completed. It not only ensures the fluency of resource sharing but also the VR simulation provides the government and enterprises with a reasonable command platform to implement safety management efficiently.

Abstract: This paper take university students as the investigation group on the selection of basketball elective course, and randomly selected two classes as the contrast experimental teaching, at the same time using t test to do statistical analysis of two experiment class on the before and after final test results. The results show the competition teaching method helps improve students' interest in elective course of basketball, but also conducive to cultivating students creative thinking, but also strengthen teamwork between students. This method can not only effectively create a good teaching atmosphere, to maximize the teaching effect of university basketball elective course, but also the optimization of teaching quality, improve the teaching efficiency of university sports teaching, while contribute to the comprehensive development of students, improve the physical quality.

Abstract: Access can be used to develop a variety of software applications, such as financial management, sales management, financial management system, which has the advantages of simple operation, Even if the non computer professionals can master in a short period of time, and it can meet the development in many fields. In this paper, based on the option management, we establish the options financial risk management model of power enterprise, combined with MySQL database tools, and design financial risk management system of the electric power enterprise. The system has a visual interface, and the user can query and do risk prediction quickly through visualization window, which greatly improves the efficiency of financial risk management for electric power enterprise. It provides a new method for the application of computer in enterprise risk management.

Abstract: Reverse engineering and spatial digitization became more popular recently. The popularity grows with the devices which are capable to scan the human figures, cars, parts of the buildings or even bigger objects in a single process. In general, scanning devices sometimes present disproportionate costs as the usual additional software often tops the half of the hardware price. Text of this paper is focused on the alternative device which can use very affordable software applications to generate the same results as the most expensive scanning equipment. Particular parts of this article briefly describe the principles of non-contact three dimensional scanning using the Kinect device, the process of data processing in alternative software applications and possibilities of their further utilization.