Developed in the Unreal Engine

A Virtual Reality training system built in Unreal Engine for mechatronics assembly and education. Learn mechanical assembly through immersive VR interactions with realistic part manipulation and guided lessons.

Overview

MechatronicsVR provides an interactive VR environment for learning mechanical assembly skills. Users can grab, manipulate, and assemble mechanical parts with realistic physics while following structured lessons.

Key Features

• VR Assembly Training: Hands-on learning with realistic part interaction
• Physics-Based Manipulation: Natural grab and place mechanics with physics simulation
• Snap-Based Assembly: Parts automatically connect at predefined attachment points
• Guided Lessons: Step-by-step instruction system with progress tracking
• Visual Feedback: Ghost previews and highlighting for assembly guidance

How to Use

Prerequisites

• Before starting:
  • Ensure your Headset is connected to your PC through however it connects to the PC (cable, Meta Quest Link, etc.)
  • Ensure that Steam and SteamVR are installed
  • If applicable, ensure your headset's desktop application is installed

Steps

1. Launch SteamVR, Ensure that SteamVR has finished launching before moving onto the next step
2. Launch the newest release of MechatronicsVR
3. Wait for MechatronicsVR to load
4. Put on your hedset

Troubleshooting

• If perfomance is low
  • Ensure your GPU drivers are up to date
  • Make sure to turn off SteamVR home
• If your headset is not detected in SteamVR
  • Make sure your headset is actually connected to the PC (headsets such as the Meta Quest need to be connected with Quest Link, not just connected with a cable)
  • Restart SteamVR
• If MechatronicsVR did not launch in VR mode
  • Restart MechatronicsVR after ensuring that SteamVR has fully launched

Controls

• Left Thumbstick
  • Turning
• Right thumbstick
  • Movement
• Grip buttons
  • Grabbing Assembly parts
• R (on a keyboard)
  • Reset the lesson

System Components

VR Interaction

• Motion controller support with grab mechanics
• Beam pointing system for distant object selection
• Haptic feedback and visual highlighting

Assembly System

• Parts: Physics-enabled objects with assembly capabilities
• Snap Points: Predefined connection locations with compatibility rules
• Validation: Smart checking for correct part connections
• Preview: Ghost visualization showing valid placement locations

Lesson Management

• Structured Learning: Data-driven lesson definitions
• Step Progression: Guided workflow through assembly processes
• Progress Tracking: Monitor completion and provide feedback
• UI Integration: Instruction display and user guidance

Technical Stack

• Engine: Unreal Engine 5
• Platform: Windows VR (SteamVR compatible)
• Language: C++ with Blueprint integration
• Input: Enhanced Input System for VR controls

Getting Started

1. Open the project in Unreal Engine 5
2. Ensure VR headset is connected and configured
3. Load a lesson map from Content/Maps
4. Enter VR mode to begin training

VR Controls

• Trigger: Grab and release parts
• Point: Use beam to highlight distant objects
• Move: Teleport or room-scale movement

Project Structure

The system is built around three core architectures:

1. VR Grab System: Handle object interaction and manipulation
2. Part Assembly System: Manage snap connections and validation
3. Lesson Manager System: Control learning progression and UI

Each system is designed to work independently while integrating seamlessly for the complete training experience.