Utec VR

UTEC-lab VR provides virtual 360° tours of UTEC’s educational centers, leveraging footage captured through a 360° camera mounted on a drone as well as fixed-camera setups. This non-linear experience enables users to explore labs, instruments, and key academic resources in a fluid, interactive manner. The application is structured for intuitive navigation, integrating videos, images, and links, all accessible via a user-friendly interface designed for both VR headsets (like Google Cardboard) and traditional mobile devices in “Magic Window” mode.

This project significantly reduces the need for physical visits to UTEC’s facilities while expanding awareness of the labs and sparking curiosity about the institution’s academic programs. Users can pause at specific points in the 360° video to view overlaid galleries, 2D clips, and optionally receive audio guidance from a virtual instructor, offering a more engaging journey. The modular design allows quick and cost-effective updates or additions of new tours, making it straightforward to adapt the platform for additional UTEC locations or evolving requirements.

Developed on Unity3D, UTEC-lab VR relies on “fuse” buttons for hands-free interaction, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience. By combining drone footage, fixed-camera recordings, and interactive elements, the project underscores the potential of virtual reality in higher education, giving learners and visitors a comprehensive view of UTEC’s resources while overcoming geographic barriers.