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Virtual reality is building nanotechnology capabilities for future generations
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Virtual reality (VR) simulations can provide an effective and safe training tool for cleanroom equipment and processes prior to physically entering the environment. Reducing the amount of in-person training required, provides opportunities for increased capacity for knowledge sharing and reach overseas.
ANFF-SA has unveiled the first “ANFF Virtual Reality Training for Nanotechnology Equipment and Processes” at the 2025 ANFF-SA Microengineering Winter School. It featured as a new practical for the 64 in-person attendees where they were able to learn the photolithography process through the 3D virtual reality simulation. Online participants were provided the chance to explore ANFF-SA cleanroom facilities through the new Desktop 360 Guided “Walkthrough” Tour.
In collaboration with ANFF-SA Director, Professor Craig Priest and Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments Director, Professor Mark Billinghurst, the VR training project was led by visiting Professor Paul Weber, Utah Valley University, who was on sabbatical at UniSA. The immersive VR simulation used in Winter School was developed with Adelaide based company, Think Digital.
Prof Priest said “ANFF-SA’s Winter School trains the next generation of microfabrication experts. Through VR experiences, we aim to enrich the School for our remote participants across Australia and abroad by opening our labs to unlimited training in university, schools, and industry.”
Accessing the Desktop 360 Guided “Walkthrough” Tour of ANFF-SA’s ISO Class 5 (class 100) cleanroom only requires a web browser.
Prof Billinghurst said “Using technology similar to what is used for virtual real estate tours, people can click and drag their mouse on the screen to look around the space, and select interactive hot spots to move to new rooms, or launch images, audio or video content. This allows people anywhere in the world to virtually visit and see inside the ANFF cleanrooms through a web browser.”
The VR training modules will also have a big impact for ANFF-SA experts and 350 users each year.
Prof Weber said VR training “can have long-lasting benefits to both users and the equipment experts.” Prof Weber elaborates that users can develop deeper learning with complex equipment in a “risk-free setting” before entering the real laboratory and ANFF-SA “process experts should see greatly reduced load in training sessions.”
Now in the USA, Prof Weber will continue the collaboration to grow ANFF-SA’s VR training platform and help showcase our facilities to academics and industry overseas.
Prof Weber reflects on his year at UniSA “I would say ANFF-SA’s cumulative body of experience and knowledge is unmatched and there is no new project they would hesitate to tackle. This facility has been the ideal place for me to spend a year to develop a deep understanding of the field of micro-/ nano-engineering.”
ANFF-SA is a world-class micro and nanofabrication facility providing open access to cutting-edge equipment housed in state-of-the-art facilities with support from world-leading experts.
If you require support or assistance with your project or research, contact us on 08 8302 5226
The 2025 ANFF-SA Microengineering Winter School celebrated its 12th year and surpassed its 1,000th participant to complete the immersive four-day program. It is a dynamic blend of hands-on experience, exposure to cutting-edge facilities, industry leaders and world-class expert insights.