Our client, The Faculty of Maritime Studies Rijeka, identified a way to improve on their curriculum: while students graduated with a theoretical understanding of ship engines, they lacked practical, hands-on experience. Recognizing this, they tasked us with developing a virtual reality (VR) simulator of a ship's engine room to provide their students with a more realistic, real-world training
Our primary challenge was to create a VR simulation with a 100% accuracy to the actual ship engine room. This included not only the physical structure and layout but also the intricate functioning of each component.
The task demanded an extraordinary level of detail to ensure that students could engage with the simulator as if they were in a real engine room. Additionally, we needed to integrate all functionalities of the engine room into the VR model, including real-time engine operations, which presented a significant technical hurdle.
Our approach was to leverage advanced VR technology to create a highly accurate, fully interactive 3D model of a ship's engine room. Using high-resolution imaging and detailed engineering blueprints, we proposed building a comprehensive VR model that would allow students to visually and physically interact with every part of the engine, thereby gaining a practical understanding of its workings.
To bring this vision to life, we utilized advanced VR development tools. The Unreal Engine 4, known for its versatility in creating interactive, real-time 3D content, was instrumental in the project. Our team used it to build an immersive VR environment with realistic physics and accurate modeling of complex engine operations. We combined this with advanced VR headsets to deliver a truly immersive learning experience.
The result of our efforts was a highly accurate and fully interactive VR simulator of a ship's engine room. Students can now fully interact with the engine and its components, enhancing their understanding beyond theoretical knowledge. This project greatly enhances maritime education in Rijeka. By providing a practical, hands-on learning experience, the VR simulator significantly adds to the value of the maritime studies program, preparing students more effectively for their future careers.
Team: 3D designer | Unreal Engine Developer | Graphic Designer | UX/UI Designer | Art Director | Project Manager
Deliverables: a 3D model of a ship's engine room
Highlights: during a Maritime conference where we presented our project, a simple stroll around the VR engine room helped a student to finally understand the inner workings of a part of an engine even though he had been learning the theory behind it for 5 years.
