EMPOWERING ENGINEERING TALENT

Advanced MR Training for Human-Centric Production Empowering Engineering Talent

Erasmus+ project no. 2024-1-MT01-KA220-HED-000246701

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Events

TRAINEE at Maker Faire Malta 2026

The University of Malta TRAINEE team introduced visitors to mixed reality and engineering education through hands-on demonstrations and a presentation at Maker Faire Malta 2026.

From 2 to 4 October 2026, the University of Malta TRAINEE team took part in Maker Faire Malta at the Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara. Visitors to the TRAINEE stand could put on a headset and explore mixed reality robotics and automation scenarios, which form part of the digital training toolbox the project is developing for engineering education.

The demonstrations prompted questions about how virtual practice can prepare learners to work with real equipment, and how mixed reality can support safer, more accessible learning. For many visitors, this was their first experience with the technology.

The team also introduced younger audience members to immersive technologies during a presentation by Ing. Andrea Bondin. He explained the ideas behind immersive technology in an engaging, accessible way and presented TRAINEE's work to prepare the engineers of the future.

Joseph Paul Zammit, Andrea Bondin, Andrea Bezzina and Abdumhiman Shagruni guided visitors through the demonstrations throughout the event. Visitors' curiosity and enthusiasm made for three lively days.

The TRAINEE team thanks Esplora, Xjenza Malta and the Maker Faire Malta organisers for the opportunity to participate, and everyone who visited the stand or attended the presentation.

By TRAINEEOctober 17, 2026

About TRAINEE

Motivation

Image depicting scientists with VR googles

The project is driven by the rapid evolution of Industry 4.0/5.0 and human-centric manufacturing, underscoring the need for Europe to enhance its competitive edge through collaborative innovation and shared expertise. Utilising Mixed Reality (MR) technology in Higher Education (HE) training, this initiative aims to revolutionise the learning landscape by offering students immersive and interactive experiences that significantly depart from traditional learning methodologies. MR technology, which combines elements of both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create environments where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real-time, allows students to engage with complex concepts within 3D environments. This immersive experience goes beyond traditional learning by enabling students to visualize and manipulate theoretical materials in a hands-on, interactive manner, thereby enhancing understanding and retention of complex subjects in manufacturing and engineering.

Objectives

MR Specifications for Higher Education

Developing specifications for the use of Mixed Reality technology in HEI. Grasping and understanding the specifications of MR technology in education can directly revolutionise teaching and learning, leading to improved learning outcomes, increased accessibility and inclusivity, reduced carbon footprint and innovative teaching and learning practices, supporting a more sustainable education system and green capabilities.

Pedagogical Framework for MR Integration

Establishing a pedagogical framework for the effective use of MR technology in training HEI learners. The pedagogical framework for the effective use of MR technology can support digital and green capabilities by ensuring that the technology is used both effectively and meaningfully, leading to better learning outcomes for students.

MR Content and Training Tools

Developing a framework for the creation of MR content specifically for HEI, to enable learners to effectively engage with Industry 4.0/5.0 concepts and applications. Providing the relevant content through an innovative MR Training Toolbox that both HEI trainers and learners can use to improve their skills.

Case Studies

Identifying and implementing a set of practical case studies to explain and test how MR can be used to improve industry competitiveness and the adoption of Industry 4.0/5.0 technology. These case studies will demonstrate the benefits and potential of MR and lead to increased uptake by HEI.

Evaluation Tool

Developing an evaluation tool that can measure knowledge transfer effectiveness of the proposed framework and the TRAINEE MR Training Toolbox. This tool will provide HEI trainers with a tangible measure to assess the effectiveness of the digital learning tools and identify areas for improvement and adjustments to optimize learning outcomes.

Promote Sustainability and Digital Accessibility

Ensuring that MR training tools and methods are both sustainable and digitally accessible – by reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional hands-on training (minimizing the need for physical materials and travel) and by designing inclusive MR-based educational content that follows the principles of universal design and promotes open educational resources.

Implementation

TPMs: The consortium will organise transnational project meetings to strengthen collaborative partnerships and advance common goals.

Research and Development: activities leading to intellectual outputs (reports, educational materials, case studies, evaluation frameworks).

LTTA: Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity will target HEI trainers, in the form of short-term training designed to further upskill staff in the development and use of MR tools.

MEs: Multiplier events will allow the results and findings of the project to be shared with a wider audience, such as stakeholders, professionals, educators, policymakers, or the general public.

Scientific Outreach: Publication of project results in relevant journals and active participation in international conferences.