CSE Virtual Reality Lab

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We are proud to announce that the largest virtual reality lab in the university is established in CSE with high-tech computers and virtual reality headsets that can provide high resolution graphics and enable students and researchers to develop virtual reality-based applications.

Virtual reality headsets

VR headsets	HTC Vive pro
Display resolution	5K resolution

Computers

Processor	Intel i9
Ram	32GB
Storage	2TB SSD
Display panel	32 inch curved

CSE Metaverse Project

One of the main projects of this lab is a metaverse project for the Faculty of Engineering. In this metaverse, the UNSW campus is redesigned in a form of a virtual city and different schools such as the School of Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering each has a building in this city, just like UNSW's physical campus!

VR Lab Research Projects

Comparing Cognitive Load Effects of Motor Imagery Versus Facial Expression Controls while Using Brain Computer Interface (BCI) in Conjunction with Visual Reality

In this research project, two different types of training machine learning algorithms (i.e. facial expressions versus motor imagery) used for controlling objects in a virtual reality environment with the use of brain-computer interface (BCI) devices will be compared. This study will examine which approach is more efficient and results in a lower user cognitive load. Motor imagery refers to when users imagine performing an action in their mind and facial expression refers to expressing emotions using facial muscles.

Can Virtual Reality-Based Engineering Labs Replace Physical Labs?

As a part of the CSE metaverse, some of the equipment of the mechanical engineering lab is simulated in a virtual reality-based lab. In this research project motivation and cognitive load of students will be compared when they work in the mechanical engineering physical labs vs when they work in the virtual reality -Based Engineering Labs.

Can Sense of Immersion Increase Learning Performance in Virtual Reality Based Online Classes Compared to Video Conferencing Applications?

In line with UNSW 2025 strategy plan to increase learning performance through the integration of novel technologies, this research project will compare learning performance and class engagement of students in a virtual reality-based lecture theatre and in regular video conferencing applications when running hybrid classes.

Toward a Visual-Based Method to Learn Object-Oriented Programming in Virtual Reality

Learning text-based coding might be intangible and difficult for novice learners. In this study, a novel approach to learning object-oriented Programming (OOP) in virtual Reality (VR) is proposed and its effects on learners’ motivation and learning performance are evaluated.

Using Virtual Reality to Teach Algorithms through Robotics

In this study, we investigate the effect of different VR controls on the Cognitive load and Embodied Cognition of students while learning how to implement algorithms through controlling robots!

Learning Fundamentals of Programming Using a Multiplayer Gamified Environment in Virtual Reality

In this research project, students will learn the fundamentals of programming by solving different puzzles in a multiplayer virtual reality-based escape room. Each student has an avatar, and they can collaborate with each other to solve the puzzles. This project can help students to learn the fundamentals of programming in a practical manner. In different experiments, learner performance and retention of information will be compared with traditional learning methods.