This Is AuburnElectronic Theses and Dissertations

Use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to address four of the “National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century”.

Date

2021-04-08

Author

Bhattarai, Bibhav

Type of Degree

Master's Thesis

Department

Computer Science and Software Engineering

Abstract

Engineering is the shrewd application of science to the exploitation and transformation of natural resources for the benefit of humanity. Humankind has always resorted to engineering in order to overcome limitations, overpower challenges and improve life on the planet. In recent years, immersive technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have gained a lot of popularity. The rapid development of AR/VR technology has the potential to help a broad range of sectors, with education, healthcare, manufacturing and retail among the most obvious beneficiaries. In this thesis, the authors discuss developing of applications using immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) and their significance in addressing some of the engineering challenges identified by the National Academy of Engineering. The aim of this study is to develop two augmented reality (AR) and one virtual reality (VR) applications, as well as to assess their effectiveness in terms of interaction, functionality, usability, and user experience. These apps can be used to construct an immersive learning environment, locate and compare drinking water supplies in Auburn University (AU) buildings, visualize the Sun's position and direction at a given time and place, and take a virtual tour of our solar system.