A VR-based interactive teaching and practice environment for supporting the whole process of mining engineering education.

The article focuses on the development and application of a virtual reality (VR)-based interactive teaching and practice environment for mining equipment processes to enhance practical training under laboratory conditions. This system integrates digital design, virtual simulation, and VR human–computer interaction (HCI) hardware to simulate the structure, operation, and electronic control of mining machinery, enabling students to experience realistic underground production scenarios safely. The environment supports virtual assembly, collaborative networked operation, stereoscopic display, and real-time mapping between virtual and actual equipment data, facilitating comprehensive learning of mechanical, electrical, and control systems. Testing with student groups demonstrated that VR-enhanced teaching, especially when combined with real-time virtual-to-physical equipment interaction, significantly improves understanding of equipment structure, electrical control, and coordinated operation compared to traditional methods. The study concludes that VR integration offers a novel, immersive model for mining equipment education and training, with potential for broader industrial adoption.