Virtual labs, real impact: How mixed reality is transforming higher education in science and engineering

By Anurag Gupta, Co-Founder of STEMROBO Technologies

Science and engineering subjects in higher education have traditionally been highly dependent on laboratories, experiments, and hands-on education. But what if physical laboratories are unreachable, costly, or simply aren’t able to keep up with the speed of modern innovation? And now imagine studying difficult topics, not merely through reading texts about them, but through experiencing, engaging, and experimenting with them in a simulated setting.

By combining the virtual and physical worlds, Mixed Reality is changing how education works, making learning more interactive, easier to access, and more hands-on.

The Rise of Mixed Reality in Education

Mixed Reality combines the digital and physical worlds, allowing students to interact with 3D models of atoms, engines, cells, or even the human brain in real-time.While VR immerses individuals in a completely virtual world, or AR overlays digital information on top of the real world, MR does both. MR creates an interactive environment where students can manipulate virtual objects as they would real objects.

According to a 2024 report by PwC, the worldwide MR market in education is expected to expand to $9.5 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of over 36%. In India, with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encouraging the adoption of digital tools in education, several institutions of higher education have started incorporating MR-based learning environments, especially in STEM subjects.

Breaking Barriers to Lab Access

Traditional science and engineering laboratories require physical equipment, maintenance, and continuing costs for materials and instruments. However, most of the colleges, especially those in remote or semi-urban areas, cannot possibly equip laboratory facilities. It normally results in students losing out on basic practical experience.

Virtual MR laboratories are making this possible. For example, students in a Tier-2 engineering college in Maharashtra are now conducting experiments with MR headsets to simulate complex electrical circuits and machinery, running experiments safely and in repetition without the fear of physical damage or risk of accident. These experiences would be beyond reach under budget or safety constraints otherwise.

Virtual labs allow institutions to mass-produce high-quality education. Hundreds of students can share one MR simulation and all get to experience it first-hand, regardless of where they are physically situated.

Real-Time Learning, Real-World Skills

One of the greatest strengths of MR in STEM education is that it can provide real-time interaction and feedback. Whether it’s looking at molecular structures in 3D, conducting a simulated rocket propulsion test, or conducting a virtual dissection, MR makes intangible concepts more concrete.

For engineering students, MR can recreate real-world environments like an oil rig or a factory, giving students real world experience without ever leaving the classroom. A study published in Education and Information Technologies (Springer, 2023) found that students who used MR simulations scored 22% higher in applied knowledge tests than those who only learned through textbooks and videos.

Cost-Effective, Scalable, and Safe

Initial deployment of MR systems may seem expensive, but over time, they prove to be cost-effective. Once the software and hardware are in place, the cost per experiment drops significantly, especially when compared to recurring costs of materials in physical labs. MR labs reduce wastage and are environmentally friendly with no chemicals, glassware, or energy-intensive machines involved.

Empowering Teachers and Customising Content

Mixed Reality is not just for students, it’s a powerful tool for teachers as well. Teachers can add simulations to their curriculum, run live demonstrations, and even record sessions for later review. With AI integration, these platforms can track student performance, identify learning gaps, and provide content for better learning outcomes.

For example, in a pilot conducted at a private university in Bengaluru, engineering faculty reported a 35% improvement in student engagement after introducing MR-based labs in their semester curriculum. Moreover, the dropout rate in core subjects like physics and mechanical engineering declined by 15%, suggesting that students found the new mode of learning both easier and more motivating.

Future-Ready Education for Industry 4.0

With sectors moving towards automation, AI, and intelligent manufacturing, the need for technology-educated graduates possessing upgraded tool skills also grows. Mixed Reality labs prepare students for this future. Whether it’s using digital models to study how machines work or simulating airflow in aerospace engineering, MR helps connect what students learn in class to what industries need. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs Report, 44% of workers’ core skills will change by 2027, and technologies like MR will be key to that shift. Colleges and universities that start using MR now aren’t just improving education—they’re preparing students for the future.

Conclusion

Mixed Reality is not here to replace traditional teaching, but to enhance and democratise it. It allows students to explore, experiment, and learn at their own pace, no matter where they are. For countries like India, where the digital divide remains a challenge, MR offers a scalable, high-quality solution for science and engineering education. The sooner we adopt and invest in this shift, the better prepared we’ll be for a future that demands both innovation and imagination.