2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Collaboration and teamwork are critical in STEM fields, especially during complex tasks, as they enable the integration of diverse skills and lead to more innovative solutions. This study introduces a hands-on, collaborative training solution to advance collaboration during assembly tasks by utilizing Mixed Reality (MR) technology as a training tool for promoting teamwork and problem-solving among STEM students. The MR-shared environment, developed using Microsoft Azure and Photon Cloud, synchronizes up to four MR headsets (HoloLens 2), enabling multiple users to collaborate in the same virtual scene. The MR module engages users in the design and assembly of a hydraulically actuated bike, a system selected for its complex mechanical and hydraulic components. It consists of two sections: (1) Tutorial Session and (2) Assembly Lab, and was tested with 103 students in a Fluid Power course, where participants collaboratively designed and assembled a hydraulic bike. This innovative tool exposed trainees to realistic assembly scenarios, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills in a dynamic learning setting.
Throughout the MakeIt Session, three HoloLens 2 headsets will be available to provide a live demonstration of the collaborative MR module. Attendees will gain hands-on exposure to the MR-shared environment, including the collaborative MR module, learning how to set up the headsets, initiate the module, and navigate its features. This demonstration will allow STEM educators to learn how to use this MR tool to enhance STEM education while exploring evidence of its positive impact on students’ collaborative learning experiences. This interactive session aims to inspire educators and researchers to adopt MR technologies in their teaching practices, showcasing its potential to improve STEM education.