The study of new systems for supporting upper limb rehabilitation is of primary importance, due to the high number of people in need of rehabilitation and the limited effectiveness of most of the current systems. The research work described in this paper proposes a VR system for upper-limb rehabilitation that is immersive, is based on hand gestures to interact with virtual objects, and which can deliver odours when a goal is reached.

This study presents a multi-user virtual reality (VR) tool designed to enhance hands-on learning in engineering education through real-time sensorized digital twins. The motivation stems from the limitations of traditional laboratory settings, such as time constraints and restricted access to physical equipment, which can hinder practical learning. The developed environment allows multiple students, wearing VR headsets, to interact simultaneously with a real-time synchronized virtual model of an engine, replicating its physical counterpart at the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile. This novel integration of VR and digital twin technology offers students a unique opportunity to observe engine behavior in operation within a safe, controlled virtual space. By bridging theoretical knowledge with practical experience, this approach deepens understanding of complex mechanical concepts while fostering the development of key technical skills. Additionally, the use of real-time data visualization and digital twins provides a safer, more interactive, and efficient alternative to traditional laboratory practices, overcoming constraints like time limitations and equipment availability. This innovative method introduces students to Industry 4.0 principles, encouraging data-driven analysis and informed decision making.

In this research work, we present a Multimodal Guidance System (MGS) whose aim is to provide dynamic assistance to persons with disabilities (PWD) while performing manual activities such as drawing, coloring in and foam-cutting tasks. The MGS provides robotic assistance in the execution of 2D tasks through haptic and sound interactions. Haptic technology provides the virtual path of 2D shapes through the point-based approach, while sound technology provides audio feedback inputs related to the hand’s velocity while sketching and filling or cutting operations. By combining this Multimodal System with the haptic assistance, we have created a new approach with possible applications to such diverse fields as physical rehabilitation, scientific investigation of sensorimotor learning and assessment of hand movements in PWD. The MGS has been tested by people with specific disorders affecting coordination, such as Down syndrome and developmental disabilities, under the supervision of their teachers and care assistants inside their learning environment. A Graphic User Interface has been designed for teachers and care assistants in order to provide training during the test sessions. Our results provide conclusive evidence that the effect of using the MGS increases the accuracy in the tasks operations.