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DASBE Projects

Virtual Reality & Immersive Learning

VR educational tools have been developed to respond to the requirement of providing training and exposure to specific topics, in new and innovative ways. These tools enable the student to visualise the building or site and virtually walk through to investigate and ascertain defects, issues and dangers and then determine and provide appropriate solutions.
CFDemo_AIEdit
Image Source: Colin Fardey, Stephen Bolger

Current Status:

In Development

Project Leaders

Stephen Bolger
XR Developer
Technological University of the Shannon
StephenHeadshot (002)
Colin Fardey
XR Developer
Technological University of the Shannon
ColinFardeyHeadshot

Project Description

Introduction

This project aims to design, develop and test a number of Virtual Reality (VR) prototypes to support the delivery and assessment of existing and new programmes.

The VR prototypes will be flexible and easily adaptable to support the fast-moving construction industry, with regards to introduction of new materials/products and installation methods through to the provision of innovative ways to provide educational assessment and quizzes during the delivery of the programmes.

Investment-to-Date

In terms of investment to date the primary investment has been on technical expertise within the DASBE team. A range of VR tools and software solutions have been procured to enable of VR product development. Further investment in such solutions is needed for the next phase.

Current used / targeted  VR hardware within DASBE projects Include:

  • Meta Quest 2
  • Meta Quest Pro
  • Meta Quest 3

Project Milestones

June 2022
DASBEVR 1 Defects In Traditional Buildings
June 2022
December 2022
DASBEVR 1 Finalised
December 2022
December 2023
DASBEVR 2 Heat Pump & PV Launch
December 2023
February 2024
VR Prototype 3 - XR Walls Rating
February 2024

Project Phases

Defects In Traditional Buildings

The VR Visual Environment and educational tools developed for the use in a traditional residential building (Phase 1.0) was finalised during the period June to December 2022. This involved final modifications and also a range of testing with individuals and groups to identify any specific technical or user issues. The VR team finalised the product and it was successfully demonstrated at a number of promotional events across the TUS campuses during the period.

Project Overview

The initial virtual reality solution crafted by the DASBE team offers users an immersive experience, enabling them to explore an aged, potentially hazardous  building while trying to identify building defects.

In contrast to real-world excursions, which are often costly, time-intensive, and fraught with hazards, this virtual platform provides a safe and efficient alternative.

The application also features a range of experimental interactive Training Scenarios, including a dynamic quiz and an engaging interactive wall diagram.

Features:

  • Tailored tutorial room designed to onboard new users to the intricacies of virtual reality interactions.
  • Fully explorable traditional thatched cottage, meticulously detailed both internally and externally.
  • Assortment of tools at users' disposal for defect identification, including a Moisture Meter, Boroscope, and Scraper.
  • In-depth building defects quiz set within a hand crafted classroom environment, offering comprehensive learning opportunities.
  • Interactive 3D wall insulation diagram, allowing users to virtually inspect and label various components of a wall configuration.
Heat Pump & PV

Project Overview

DASBE's second virtual reality solution is dedicated to offering users an immersive and user-friendly platform for delving into sustainable energy solutions and their practical implementation in real-world contexts.

Users can interact with a virtual heat pump and PV panel within the app, allowing for hands-on exploration and understanding of their functionality. There are also others immersive learning experiences such as climbing a roof & a diegetic quiz.

Features:

  • Experience an induction room merging the app's onboarding process with PPE equipment, gradually introducing complexity for teaching controls.
  • Explore recreated 3D environments mirroring real rooms found on the TUS Thurles campus.
  • Engage with an exploded 3D model of a heat pump to gain insight into its intricate internal components.
  • Test your knowledge with a comprehensive quiz on heat pumps and PV, integrated into the app's environment via whiteboard.
  • Safely ascend to the roof using a simulated safety harness and ladder to inspect the PV installation.
  • Interact with a simple animation illustrating the construction process of the PV installation.
  • Visit the ESB room and monitor the current status of the PVs using an interactive inverter interface.

Project Gallery

Defects In Traditional Buildings
Image Source: Colin Fardey, Stephen Bolger
Heat Pump & PV
Image Source: Colin Fardey, Stephen Bolger

Project Videos

DASBEVR Defects In Traditional Buildings
Video Source:
DASBEVR Heat Pump & PV
Video Source:

Next Steps:

The VR team also considered next phase opportunities and scoping exercises have commenced to define the specific development path for the next phase. It is anticipated that the focus will be on non-residential buildings with the integration of building services e.g. renewables. Research was also started to assess alternative and cost-effective ways to develop VR educational tools faster, with investigation into different game engines and platforms.

 

 

All Projects

Digital Platform Project

DASBE is launching a Digital Platform to enable learners to undertake a range of programmes ranging from micro-accreditation (including digital badges), Special Purpose Awards (Certificates), and Minor and Major awards focusing on specific topics, needs and requirements in the construction sector.

Featured Project

Digital Platform Project

Status: In Development

Horizon Scanning Project

Status: In Research

Micro-credentials Project

Status: In Development

BIM Educational Tools Project

Status: In Development

Green Alliance Project

Status: In Research

Living Lab Project

Status: In Development

Digital Badges

Status: In Research