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LabXplore 360: Virtual Experience of UTHM Faculty of Engineering Technology (FTK) Lab

WELCOME TO THE 360° virtual tour of FTK labs

Introduction

The Faculty of Engineering Technology is developing a 360° Virtual Tour to make its laboratories more accessible and engaging for users who cannot visit in person. The tour, accessible via any web browser without additional software, uses 360° photos to create an immersive, interactive walk-through experience. This project also includes video demonstrations of key laboratories, such as the Mechanics of Machines and Control and Instrumentation Labs, showcasing their equipment and operations. By enabling users to explore the labs from any angle, the virtual tour enhances understanding, encourages engagement, and attracts students interested in hands-on learning.

Project Background

The 360 virtual tour project is being undertaken to make the Faculty of Engineering Technology laboratory more accessible and engaging to users who may be unable to visit in person. A virtual tour serves as an interactive presentation of real places that can be accessed directly through an internet browser without requiring additional installations, apps, or plugins . Using 360° photos that are recorded, processed, and stitched into spherical panoramas, the tour combines panoramic photos (or videos) into a seamless, interactive walk-through experience. This technology enables remote users, including students, to explore the lab facilities and equipment without the need for physical presence, expanding the lab's reach to a broader audience.


Beyond accessibility, video demos that show the Mechanics of Machines Laboratory, the Control and Instrumentation Laboratory, and the Static and Dynamic Laboratory latest technology in operation have been added to the LabXplore 360: Pengalaman Maya Makmal FTK project. By allowing users to see how each tool works and is applied, this immersive video content can enhance the lab experience and possibly attract more students who are interested in cutting-edge technology and experiential learning. Users can change their perspective horizontally or from any angle with a 360° Interactive Virtual Tour format, offering an immersive visual experience that closely mimics an on-site visit. This interactive feature allows users to explore different sections of the lab in detail, encouraging a deeper understanding of the lab's resources and fostering a sense of engagement.

Problem Statement

1. Limited Situational Awareness

Without a 360° virtual tour, users are limited to static images or videos, which offer a fixed, narrow view and lack details about the lab's layout, equipment, and safety zones. A virtual tour immerses users, enhancing their situational awareness and ability to explore and analyze the space more effectively.

2. Limited Access to Lab Resources

Students and lecturers may face challenges visiting labs due to scheduling conflicts, limited availability, or logistical issues. Additionally, lab access often requires skilled supervision for safety, and staffing shortages can lead to delays or restrictions during certain hours.

3. Lack of Pre-Lab Preparation Resources

As a result, most students arrived at lab sessions unprepared due to a lack of visual resources and detailed information. This led to delays as labs were paused for additional coaching on activities.

Objectives

To provide students with a 360° virtual tour of FTK labs, allowing them to explore the environment, view equipment in detail, and understand lab layouts, fostering familiarity and preparedness.

To improve students' practical skills through detailed video demonstrations in the virtual tour, guiding them in safe and effective equipment usage. These step-by-step videos help students learn at their own pace, understand equipment functionality, and prepare efficiently for lab sessions.

To provide a virtual alternative for students unable to attend in-person labs, offering a realistic and interactive learning experience. The virtual tour ensures accessibility, allowing students to explore lab processes and equipment anytime, anywhere, and stay up to date with their courses.