Webinar highlights university innovation in XR and digital engineering

By Cassidy Mills, Staff Writer

 

University experts explored the ways universities are integrating extended reality (XR) and digital engineering technologies across research, teaching and workforce training during the webinar, “How Universities Are Powering Innovation through XR and Digital Engineering,” hosted by Virtualware, July 9.

 

Moderated by John A. Cunningham, president of Virtualware, the session showcased a panel discussion that highlighted real-world implementations, strategic approaches and partnership models universities use to embed XR within their academic programs and industry collaborations.

 

Panelists included David Metcalf, Ph.D., senior researcher at the Mixed Emerging Technology Integration Lab (METIL) within the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation & Training (IST); Scott Miller, associate dean for industry partnerships at Ohio University; and Thomas Merrick, assistant director of virtual reality and augmented reality initiatives at the University of Miami.

 

The conversation focused on XR’s role in enriching hands-on learning, streamlining digital processes and fostering collaboration across various industries. Panelists emphasized how virtual environments enable students and professionals to grasp intricate ideas through interactive simulations, virtual laboratories and digital twin applications.

 

“As institutions mature, the technology moves from pilots to platforms that support a broader set of use cases — training, collaboration, research,” Metcalf said. “We’re seeing immersive tools deployed at scale across learning environments and research labs, especially when combined with AI and digital engineering.”

 

Metcalf said recent developments in XR are part of a larger convergence with artificial intelligence and digital engineering. He pointed to examples from UCF’s research portfolio where immersive tools are deployed at scale across learning environments and research labs.

 

“We’re working closely with industry partners to ensure our XR initiatives meet real-world challenges,” Metcalf said. “This collaboration strengthens education and creates a pipeline of skilled talent ready for the digital economy.”

 

The importance of these partnerships was echoed by Miller, noting a clear shift in university programs from experimental pilot projects to integrated platforms that serve a wider range of educational and operational needs.

 

“Aligning XR applications with regional workforce needs is key,” Miller said. “Our partnerships with industry help us tailor programs that prepare students for emerging jobs and accelerate local economic growth.”

 

Miller cited use cases such as immersive healthcare training modules, digital twin simulations for engineering curricula and advanced remote collaboration tools designed to overcome geographic and institutional barriers.

 

The panel also acknowledged significant challenges in scaling immersive technologies across universities. Merrick noted infrastructure costs, the need for comprehensive faculty training and difficulties integrating new platforms with existing legacy systems as persistent hurdles.

 

“Cost and integration remain hurdles, but the potential impact on teaching and research is enormous,” Merrick said. “Universities have a unique role as testbeds and incubators for these transformative technologies, which makes investment in overcoming these barriers critical.”

 

The webinar underscored the growing role of academic institutions not only as innovators in immersive technologies but also as essential contributors to broader digital transformation initiatives that extend beyond campus walls.

 

By serving as hubs for research, collaboration and workforce development, panelists agreed universities are positioning themselves at the forefront of a technology-driven future.