The VR Lab is equipped with high-performance graphics computers and state-of-the-art VR devices like head-mounted displays, head-coupled stereo viewing systems (BOOM from Fakespace), data gloves, and others. These enabling technologies of immersive virtual reality allow for head-referenced viewing of virtual worlds that are computer generated. The combination of depth perception, look-around and walk-around capability, and realistic interactions of humans with a full scale representation of virtual prototypes provides an unrivaled instrument for the analysis of spatial arrangements as found in complex mechanical systems.

A focal point of the Laboratories research is the creation of virtual prototypes from CAD/CAM databases and other digital product models, and the modeling of behavior and functionality for operational simulations, human factors and ergonomic studies, engineering analysis, as well as the simulation of assembly, production and maintenance tasks.

Typical marine applications of immersive virtual reality include: virtual prototypes of ship structures for the study of overall layout, practicability of welding operations in narrow spaces, and the detection of interferences during simulated assembly sequences; virtual interiors and exteriors of sailing yachts for arrangement evaluation and human factors and ergonomic studies; virtual representation of ship wrecks derived from sonar data collected by M- ROVER.

The VRL is visited every year by over 1,000 individuals during several organized events and demonstrations. These events involve promotion of industry relations, academic exchange, K-12 education, student recruiting, minority programs, and others. Since the Fall of 1996, the VRL offers the course NA 477/Eng 477 "Principles of Virtual Reality."

The VR Lab home page can be accessed directly with the URL:
http://www-vrl.engin.umich.edu