Virtual Electric Machines Laboratory (V-Lab)

Abstract

Virtual reality is the current technology wave owing to its multi-disciplinary platform involving 3D modelling and visualization tools. It incorporates auditory, visual, and sensory feedback to create an interactive and realistic experience. Virtual reality environments are usually entered through headsets connected to computers to immerse the user into the artificial world. Although virtual reality is most commonly used for entertainment, it has other applications such as education and fitness. Creating an Electric Machines laboratory with virtual reality allows students to practice Electric Machines laboratory experiments in a secure environment, helping them gain a deeper understanding of how advanced engineering tools and concepts work and apply. This gives students the opportunity to test their knowledge and understanding knowing that their mistakes would not damage the expensive machines, so they can learn from their mistakes and avoid making them later, which puts a stronger emphasis on the learning aspect. Moreover, this improves the safety measures as students would be able to observe, visualize, and implement their required laboratory work without jeopardizing the university’s costly machines and equipment. Furthermore, this saves the laboratory instructor’s time, as it eliminates the need for maintenance of faulty equipment. Not only so, but also saves money because the students would not be exposed to the machinery before they develop the required skillset, thereby reducing the physical damage rate. In addition to that, using virtual reality tools allows engineering students to manipulate components as they would in the real world, ensuring that they gain enough experience and develop their expertise well.