Implementation of a physical space of virtual and digital technologies for engineering education in a Mexican private university

Abstract

Recent global events such as the SARS-COV-2 pandemic and the implementation of industry 4.0 as part of the digitalization of the industry, present important challenges in engineering academies for the development of new trends and strategic innovation for teaching. This paper describes the development and implementation of a laboratory for educational purposes based on virtual reality, augmented reality and digital conceptualization technologies for university students, taking as a reference the requirements of facilities for collaborative projects. The objective in the implementation of a space with the described characteristics, raises the best user satisfaction through the consideration of the environment of interaction, safety and hygiene, as well as the verification of the physical
and mental conditions of the participants of the projects of virtual reality, augmented reality and digitization technologies. Through various stages of planning and development of the physical space, requirements for users, hardware and software needs, and restrictions of the educational institution, the current results of the laboratory and the projects of the engineering area in a Mexican private university are presented. The increase in the number of academic projects, links with
other institutions in the educational sector, as well as applied research in the laboratory are part of the activities expected in the future.