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Virtual chemistry laboratory: University of Paderborn relies on VR and AI!
The University of Paderborn is launching the “VRLabTutor” project to integrate AI into virtual chemistry laboratories for students.
Virtual chemistry laboratory: University of Paderborn relies on VR and AI!
The University of Paderborn recently launched an innovative project that could revolutionize learning in chemistry. Students have the opportunity to carry out internships in the “VirtuChemLab”, which uses state-of-the-art virtual reality technology. This initiative is part of the “VRLabTutor” project, which aims to expand the virtual laboratory with AI-based assistance. Hendrik Peeters, research associate in chemistry education, coordinates the activities.
The project was funded by the Innovation in University Teaching Foundation (StIL) as part of the “FREIRAUM 2025” funding line with around 360,000 euros for a period of two years. This support enables the university to develop innovative teaching formats that are independent of time and location, thus optimally preparing students for real laboratory situations.
Virtual experiments and AI support
The “VirtuChemLab” offers a realistic environment in which chemical experiments can be carried out. The AI assistance, which appears in avatar form, provides individual feedback and answers questions about the experiments. This technical innovation finds its roots in an interdisciplinary collaboration between chemistry education and computer science. Students in the Master's program in Computer Science are actively involved in curricular project groups, which supports the practical application of what they have learned.
In order to adapt the AI assistance to the specific needs of the users, regular user tests are carried out by chemistry students. This ensures that the assistance is not only functional, but also meets the needs of the students. This is intended to help reduce uncertainty that is often associated with practical laboratory work.
Evaluation and future prospects
University didactic support is provided by the Educational Innovations and University Didactics department at the University of Paderborn. Your support ensures the quality and transfer of the project results to other subjects and contexts, which is crucial for successful implementation at the university.
The evaluation of the expanded “VirtuChemLab” is scheduled until March 2027. During this time, integration into existing courses should take place. A project-related website and social media provide continuous information about the progress of the project. The software should be published after successful evaluation and established in teaching in the long term.
This pioneering approach from the University of Paderborn could transform students' fundamental understanding and practical skills in chemistry, such as uni-paderborn.de reported.
Information about the development and use of the technologies is also available on the project's website in order to promote further interest and commitment to the topic, explains Chemistry didactics Wuppertal.