Manufacturing industries today are undergoing a formidable process of transition to completely new and sometimes unfamiliar modes of operation. This process is also known as the 5th Industrial Revolution and involves the implementation of a set of technologies including, among others, digital technologies such as XR-Extended Reality, AI, Big Data and Digital Twins. In particular, Extended Reality, which encompasses the full spectrum of advanced 3D models and techniques for visualizing and interacting environments, is already a standard de facto method at some stages of the product life cycle. In the design phase of complex systems, for example, it supports designers, other business functions and end users in the collaborative analysis of complex assemblies. While these technologies are supported as enablers for the aforementioned transition in industries, their use at the academic level remains focused on the goal of creating more interactive educational experiences and enhancing understanding of complex concepts. In contrast, this paper analyzes the use of XR in mechanical engineering curricula with the goal of identifying the main challenges for creating advanced digital skills for engineers and empowering them to integrate such knowledge into industrial process optimization. The results of a focus group with students in the Master of Mechanical Engineering program reveal the need to support young people in understanding the benefits of using such technologies in their work.
De Crescenzio, F., Tassinari, M.E., Frizziero, L., Liverani, A., Marcuccio, M. (2025). XR Technologies in Mechanical Engineering Education. Cham : Springer [10.1007/978-3-031-76594-0_48].
XR Technologies in Mechanical Engineering Education
De Crescenzio, F;Tassinari, M. E;Frizziero, L;Liverani, A;Marcuccio, M
2025
Abstract
Manufacturing industries today are undergoing a formidable process of transition to completely new and sometimes unfamiliar modes of operation. This process is also known as the 5th Industrial Revolution and involves the implementation of a set of technologies including, among others, digital technologies such as XR-Extended Reality, AI, Big Data and Digital Twins. In particular, Extended Reality, which encompasses the full spectrum of advanced 3D models and techniques for visualizing and interacting environments, is already a standard de facto method at some stages of the product life cycle. In the design phase of complex systems, for example, it supports designers, other business functions and end users in the collaborative analysis of complex assemblies. While these technologies are supported as enablers for the aforementioned transition in industries, their use at the academic level remains focused on the goal of creating more interactive educational experiences and enhancing understanding of complex concepts. In contrast, this paper analyzes the use of XR in mechanical engineering curricula with the goal of identifying the main challenges for creating advanced digital skills for engineers and empowering them to integrate such knowledge into industrial process optimization. The results of a focus group with students in the Master of Mechanical Engineering program reveal the need to support young people in understanding the benefits of using such technologies in their work.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
