Examining the Role of Virtual Reality in Construction Robotics Learning: Insights on Realism, Presence, and Simulation Sickness

The integration of robotics into construction presents opportunities to address challenges such as labor shortages, low productivity, and workplace safety concerns. To prepare students in construction engineering and management (CEM) programs for this technological shift, this study developed an immersive virtual reality (VR)-based learning environment focused on construction robotics. The environment featured three interactive modules: robot exploration, application tutorials, and robotic implementation, designed to provide students with hands-on, risk-free learning experiences. A cohort of 40 students participated in the study, engaging with the VR environment and providing feedback on realism, presence, and simulation sickness through validated questionnaires. Results indicated high realism scores across visual, spatial, and physical-functional dimensions, with some limitations in task and scenario realism. Presence scores, evaluated using the Presence Questionnaire (PQ), revealed strong engagement and immersion. Simulation sickness, assessed via the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), showed minimal nausea but moderate oculomotor strain and disorientation.