Real-time co-simulation of electric machines using Unity and Simulink for laboratory applications

Abstract

The demand for hybrid learning rose during the past few years, especially in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, where on campus education was significantly impacted, particularly laboratory courses, due to the loss of hands-on experience. In response, there has been considerable focus on the development and adoption of immersive technologies in education for their ability to enhance student engagement and enthusiasm. This study aims to explore the potential benefits of immersive technology as a learning tool in the engineering education sector of Kuwait, with a specific focus on electric machinery laboratory experiments for undergraduate electrical engineering program. The proposed approach aims to provide students with extended practice opportunities, flexible learning experience, and enhanced safety within laboratory environments. Furthermore, immersive simulations promote equitable access to quality engineering education, reduce the traffic in the physical shared laboratory spaces, and support the training of new laboratory instructors. By enabling safe experimentation and self-guided practice, immersive technologies demonstrate strong potential for improving practical understanding and ensuring continuity in laboratory education.