Virtual
Robotics Lab
A solution that transports university robotics labs into a highly realistic virtual environment, accessible remotely.
The context
Bringing the laboratory experience to distance learning too. One of Italy’s leading online universities needs to provide its engineering students with a hands-on laboratory experience in robotics, while maintaining the flexibility of distance learning that defines its educational offering.
Traditional physics labs require on-site presence and cannot scale to thousands of students spread across the country, while simplified simulations don’t faithfully replicate the behaviour of real robots or the manual skills needed at a physical workbench.
The topic is far from marginal: according to the Global Market Insight 2024, the market for immersive learning is worth almost $12 billion and is growing at over 22% annually. Meanwhile, PwC research shows that learners in immersive environments learn up to four times faster than in a traditional classroom.
Our goal: why should a student taking distance learning courses miss out on the laboratory experience?
The solution
Virtual Robotics Lab is the solution developed by Techstar that fully replicates physical robotics labs in two distinct environments, each dedicated to a different family of robots. A dedicated classroom to industrial robotic arms: a space for programming and control. Here, you learn to manage movements, sensors, and configurations with the same manual dexterity required at a physical workbench.
A classroom dedicated to autonomous mobile robots, where students can simulate navigation, environment mapping, and coordination between multiple units, using scenarios that mirror real-world contexts such as logistics and advanced manufacturing. Students and lecturers connect from their own devices and interact with the robots just as they would in person: the response is that of a real robot, in real time.
The results
2 laboratories *
Spaces dedicated to robotic arms and autonomous mobile robots
Real time *
The robots response is identical to that of the physical system.
Instantly *
Sharing your work with the class and the teacher
at the same time *
More students are working on the same resources at the same time
* Data relating to robotics workshops delivered online on an annual basis.
Laboratory practice without location constraints. The introduction of virtual robotics labs has made it possible for thousands of students across the country to enjoy a realistic, hands-on experience, without the need to replicate physical infrastructure. In terms of educational effectiveness, interacting with robots as if in person, with real-time responses, builds practical skills that no simplified simulation can replicate.
Live tutoring provides immediate feedback, correction, and support: the ability to instantly share your work with the class and the lecturer eliminates the need to travel. Scalability completes the picture: more students can access the same resources simultaneously and in an orderly manner, without the need for additional physical infrastructure. This model is ideal for a university with thousands of students spread across the country.
A student taking distance learning courses can finally do lab work as if they were there in person.
