VR Training for Collaborative Robots TestBed
SHORT SUMMARY
The VR Training for Collaborative Robots TestBed offers an immersive VR/XR training platform for collaborative robot programming and operation, developed under the MASTER-XR 2nd Open Call and building on the XR4Human-SERVE 5.0 research platform. It enables students, industry professionals, and operators to learn cobot programming, human-robot collaboration, and assembly tasks in a safe, risk-free virtual environment before interacting with physical robots. The platform integrates ROS 2-based cobot simulation (Franka Emika Panda), XR-guided instruction, gaze-based mental fatigue assessment, and gamified training modules deployed on the VIROO platform. The TestBed supports TRL 4–6, from laboratory validation to demonstration in operational SME environments, advancing human-centric robotics training aligned with Industry 5.0 principles and the EU AI Act.
HOSTING INSTITUTION AND PI INFO
| Name of Host Organization | University of Belgrade, School of Electrical Engineering |
| Department or Lab | ETF Robotics lab |
| Name of Building | Palace of Science |
| Physical Address | Kralja Milana 11, Belgrade, Serbia |
| Website Links | https://robot.etf.rs |
| Institutional contact name | Nikola Knezevic |
| Institutional contact email | knezevic@etf.rs |
APPLICATION CASES
| Application case: | Short description: |
| Immersive VR Cobot Programming Training | Students and operators learn to program and operate the Franka Emika Panda cobot in a fully immersive VR environment, practicing pick-and-place, assembly, and gripper operations without physical risk. Training includes guided, faded, and assessment modes with progressive difficulty. |
| Gamified Robotics Learning via VIROO Platform | ARCHIVE training modules deployed on the MASTER-XR VIROO platform enable remote, accessible robotics education with gamified elements (progress tracking, achievements, leaderboards) to increase motivation and engagement, targeting students and industry professionals. |
| Multi-User Evaluation & Training Studies | ix Meta Quest 3 headsets support group training sessions, comparative studies (manual vs. XR-cobot-assisted), and usability evaluations using standardized instruments (NASA-TLX, SUS, IMI). Validated with novice and experienced worker cohorts. |
POTENTIAL STAKEHOLDERS
Non-academic stakeholders
Industrial Partners, Startups, SMEs, Community
Academic stakeholders
Undergraduate students, PhD students, MSc students, Researchers