Intel VR research project

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and Intel Ireland successfully completed an applied research project that explored the use of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to enhance Intel’s training simulation programmes.

The collaboration brought together Intel and the Virtual Interaction Research Lab (VIRaL) at TU Dublin’s School of Media. Drawing on VIRaL’s expertise in immersive technologies, the project focused on translating Intel’s complex training specifications into an engaging and effective VR training solution that complemented existing Augmented Reality (AR) initiatives.

VIRaL, a pioneering research and development lab at TU Dublin, had already established a strong reputation for advancing the use of AR and VR across a range of fields—including digital media, journalism, games development, simulation-based education, and advanced manufacturing. The Intel project further showcased the lab’s capabilities in simulation training and VR learning environments.

A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Brian Vaughan, Principal Investigator at VIRaL, and Basil Lim, Game Designer in the School of Media, worked alongside two research assistants—a VR developer and a 3D modeller—to deliver the project. Their work demonstrated how high-fidelity VR experiences could support complex industrial training needs.

“This collaboration allowed us to push the boundaries of immersive learning design,” said Dr. Vaughan. “We successfully translated Intel’s highly detailed tool specifications into a working VR solution. The project not only deepened our research expertise but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations with industry.”

The partnership also included a talent development component. Several undergraduate and postgraduate students from TU Dublin’s Computer Science and Game Development programmes completed internships at Intel’s Leixlip campus—marking Intel’s first placements specifically focused on AR and VR technologies.

Intel Ireland’s General Manager and Vice President of Manufacturing and Operations, Eamonn Sinnott, reflected on the collaboration:

“Working with TU Dublin helped us explore the frontier of AR and VR as part of our Industry 4.0 strategy. The merger of physical and digital training environments has tremendous potential, and this project delivered real value in shaping our future approach.”

This successful collaboration formed part of a broader, multi-year partnership between TU Dublin and Intel. That wider relationship also led to the opening of the Intel Auditorium, a state-of-the-art 250-seat lecture theatre in the Central Quad of TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus, and the ongoing Intel Awards Programme, which provides scholarships to students in Engineering, Computer Science, and Game Design. The success of the VR training project catalyzed further research and development initiatives between TU Dublin and Intel, solidifying a model for industry-academic collaboration in cutting-edge immersive technologies.

Developing immersive, effective training applications in virtual reality.