A team led by Prof. Larry LI, Associate Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), along with PhD student Jungjin PARK, has developed an AI-enabled augmented reality (AR) platform for immersive learning. This platform offers students virtual laboratory experiences, enabling them to practice experiments and grasp key concepts and theories in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Their innovative solution recently earned the Silver Award in the Immersive Experiential Learning category at the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2025, often regarded as the "Oscars" of education.
Experiments in mechanical and aerospace engineering, such as wind tunnel tests examining the aerodynamics of aircraft, typically require large, specialized equipment. To improve access, the HKUST team reconstructed an on-campus wind tunnel laboratory using 3D scanning technology. They created AI-enabled AR modules and utilized digital twin technology to enhance the interaction between physical and virtual models, providing students with a realistic experimental environment. Using their smartphones or tablets, students can now conduct virtual wind tunnel experiments anytime without the need for professional equipment.
The platform features an AI-tutor that gives students personalized instructions, guiding them through experiments step by step to ensure they understand the setup procedures and underlying theories, and deepens their learning outcomes through interactive AI feedback. It not only transforms laboratory preparation into a dynamic experience and boost students' confidence but also generates learning reports for teachers to identify students' common misconceptions and terminology usage, enabling targeted guidance. Since 2023, this platform has been piloted in multiple MAE classes, benefiting approximately 100 students each year.
Prof. Larry Li is delighted to receive this prestigious award, seeing it as recognition of the team's collective efforts. He remarked, "This innovative platform revolutionizes traditional laboratory classes by shifting the focus from delivering foundational knowledge and routine practice to interactive experimentation and discussion. It not only enhances teaching quality but also provides students with a powerful tool to interact freely with large-scale, specialized experimental equipment. We have recently partnered with several higher education institutions to develop a broad range of virtual experiments, and we aim to extend this technology to advanced safety and maintenance training across various industries."
The team is collaborating with other local universities to create learning modules for mechanical and aerospace engineering, as well as various other fields, such as forensic pathology, physiotherapy, and phonetics. This inter-institutional collaborative project, which is supported by the Fund for Innovative Technology-in-Education under the University Grants Committee, aims to harness innovative technologies for transforming pedagogies and enriching student learning experiences.
In addition, "VisionARi," a startup founded by PhD student Jungjin Park, will leverage this technology to enhance STEM education for primary and secondary schools, promoting immersive experiential learning at all educational levels.
The QS Reimagine Education Awards honour pioneering pedagogical approaches that boost learning outcomes and employability, as well as effective methods of teaching sustainability. This year, the awards drew over 1,600 submissions across 21 categories, evaluated by an international panel of over 1,300 reviewers and more than 50 global experts. The HKUST project distinguished itself through its innovation, highlighting the University's commitment and international influence in advancing AI-driven teaching and learning.
