Virtual reality-based bioreactor digital twin for operator training

Abstract

The use of immersive technologies and digital twins can enhance training and learning outcomes in various domains. These technologies can reduce the cost and risk of training and improve the retention and transfer of knowledge by providing feedback in real-time. In this paper, a novel virtual reality (VR) based Bioreactor simulation is developed that covers the set-up and operation of the process. It allows the trainee operator to experience infrequent events, and reports on the effectiveness of their response. An embedded complex simulation of the bioreaction effectively replicates the impact of operator decisions to mimic the real-world experience. The need to train and assess the skills acquired aligns with the requirements of manufacturing in a validated environment, where proof of operator capability is a prerequisite. It has been deployed at UK’s National Horizons Center(NHC) to train the trainees in biosciences.