XR2ACH at the International Compressor Conference in London

On September 10, 2025, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Robin Langebach presented the InnoVET PLUS project XR2ACH at City, St George’s, University of London, as part of a keynote at the 14th International Conference on Compressors and their Systems.

Under the title “An example-oriented discussion about somewhat unusual research projects in the field of compressors and refrigeration technology,” Prof. Langebach focused primarily on the potential of Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR and VR) — collectively referred to as Extended Reality (XR) — in teaching and research. He presented early XR approaches at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences for 3D visualization of compressor designs and then transitioned to the InnoVET PLUS project XR2ACH, which attracted noticeable interest in London.

In particular, the new, innovative training formats involving virtual learning environments, interactions, and examination processes sparked lively discussions and interesting follow-up conversations. The response was very positive: against the backdrop of an increasing shortage of skilled workers and new climate policy requirements, participants expressed great interest, especially in reliable cost-benefit analyses for XR-based training formats.

Initial experiences — not only within the XR2ACH project — clearly showed that the development and implementation of such technologies involve considerable effort. It also became evident that other industrial companies have launched their own XR initiatives and would very much welcome opportunities for cooperation.

Through XR2ACH, the InnoVET-PLUS program pursues an innovative approach at the interface between science and practice: it is developing a collaborative XR and virtual learning environment specifically designed for vocational education in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump technology, to be tested within the German vocational training system.