Application Research on Virtual Simulation Experiment Teaching Platform: Based on Industrial Robot Engineering Simulation Course

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jnse.202617403

Author(s)

Limeng Shuai, Si Liu, Xiaowei Guo, Xianyong Xu

Affiliation(s)

School of Aeronautics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Hankou University, Wuhan, China

Abstract

Practical teaching is of vital importance in engineering education. However, traditional practical teaching often faces constraints such as equipment limitations, safety risks, and high costs. This paper takes the "Industrial Robot Engineering Simulation" course as an example to construct a virtual simulation experiment teaching platform based on the three-stage theory of skill learning proposed by Fitts and Posner. The platform is developed collaboratively with enterprises using Web-based technology and Unity 3D, and it supplements the simulation functions of equipment layout, wiring, and system commissioning based on the RobotStudio software. A teaching mode of "virtual-real integration, three-stage driving" (cognitive experience — simulated operation — project practice) is designed and implemented. The Operational Proficiency Index (OSI) is established as a process evaluation metric. Two rounds of comparative experiments (N=157) demonstrate that the experimental class outperforms the control class in comprehensive scores (average improvement of 12.6–12.8 points, Cohen's d>1.3), efficiency (completion time reduced by 23%–25%), and first-attempt pass rate (increased by over 30 percentage points). Module-level analysis reveals the virtual platform's particular advantages in construction-process-related content, while OSI shows strong predictive validity for final hands-on performance (R²=0.68). Combining virtual simulation with the "virtual-real integration, three-stage driving" teaching model is beneficial for engineering training of applied undergraduates, and the OSI index can serve as a quantitative assessment standard.

Keywords

Virtual Simulation; Experiment Teaching Platform; Industrial Robot; Offline Programming; Robotstudio; Applied Undergraduate

References

[1] Zhou J. Intelligent manufacturing is the main direction of "Made in China 2025". Enterprise Observer, 2019(11):54–55. [2] Shi Y, Wei Y G, SHENG Zunbing. Design of an experiential virtual robotics practical teaching platform. Experiment Science and Technology, 2026, 24(1):79-85. [3] Gao P F, Yu C, Yan X G, et al. Construction and application of intelligent manufacturing virtual simulation experiment teaching platform. China Educational Technology & Equipment, 2021(2):19–22. [4] Wang L L, Jiang L N, Fu L. Research on task-driven virtual simulation experiment teaching. Experimental Science and Technology, 2022, 20(6):28–32. [5] Zhao J Y, Li Y L, Shao X, et al. Design of digital twin-based robot experiment platform. Manufacturing Technology & Machine Tool, 2022(7):5–10. [6] Luo W, Yang W, Yu L J, et al. Design of a motion simulation platform for industrial robots based on digital twin technology. Experimental Technology and Management, 2025, 42(5):192-199. [7] Liljaniemi A, Paavilainen H. Enhancing engineering education through immersive environments—a study of the Holodeck VR system in hydraulics and pneumatics. Cogent Education, 2025, 12(1):2530900. [8] Feng Z H, Zhao M, Yang X F. Experimental teaching method for industrial robots based on virtual-real combination. Experimental Technology and Management, 2020, 37(11):218–221. [9] Chen P P, Du M H. Construction and practice of "three-stage progressive" teaching model for digital mapping based on virtual simulation technology. Resources Guide, 2025(14):28–31. [10] Hu S Q, Chen M, Liu R J, et al. Exploration of simulated medical teaching reform based on Fitts and Posner's three-stage theory of skill learning. Journal of Qiqihar Medical University, 2022, 43(16):1298–1302. [11] Wang R X, Li Q C. Hybrid teaching research on industrial robot practical training based on virtual simulation. Laboratory Science, 2021, 24(6):114–116. [12] Rafa R R, Rahman T, Kobir M H, et al. Enhancing experiential learning through virtual reality: System design and a case study in additive manufacturing. Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries, 2024, 34:649-666.