Benchmarking of Virtual Reality Performances in Mechanics Education

This study explores the potentialities of Virtual Reality for improving the learning process of mechanical product design. It is focused on the definition of a proper experimental VR-based set-up whose performances match mechanical design learning purposes, such as assemblability and tolerances prescription. The method consists of two main activities: the benchmarking of VR technologies based on sensory feedback and the evaluation of how VR tools can impact on the learning curves. In order to quantify the performance of the technology, an evaluation protocol is defined and an experimental plan is set. Evaluation parameters are divided into performance and usability metrics to distinguish cognitive and technical aspects of the learning process. The experimental VR-based set up is tested on students in mechanical engineering through the application of the protocol.