Background Information
Hands-on cleanroom training is an essential part of education in nanofabrication and semiconductor technology. However, access to cleanroom facilities is inherently limited. Safety requirements, contamination risks, high operational costs, and restricted availability mean that only a small group of Master’s students can currently receive extensive hands-on training. As a result, many students have limited exposure to key cleanroom procedures and tools, despite growing interest in semiconductor-related courses and careers.
At the same time, demand for cleanroom experience is increasing. Student numbers are rising, industry-facing projects are expanding, and pressure on cleanroom scheduling continues to grow, while physical capacity remains largely fixed. This creates a structural bottleneck in education: valuable cleanroom time is consumed by introductory training, leaving less room for advanced experimentation and learning.
To address this challenge, the pilot Learning Semiconductor Cleanroom Skills in VR introduces a virtual alternative to early-stage cleanroom instruction. By simulating cleanroom environments, protocols, and equipment in Virtual Reality, students can familiarize themselves with procedures before entering a real facility. This approach builds on proven developments at other universities and responds directly to the need for scalable, safe, and inclusive access to cleanroom education.
Aim of the project
The aim of this pilot is to develop and implement an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) training module that prepares students for working in semiconductor cleanroom environments. The project focuses on enabling students to learn essential cleanroom skills, such as gowning, navigation, safety routines, and basic tool operation in a realistic but risk-free setting.
By shifting introductory cleanroom training to VR, the project seeks to improve student preparedness and confidence before they enter a physical cleanroom. Students can practice procedures repeatedly, receive immediate feedback, and progress at their own pace. This not only enhances learning outcomes but also reduces the likelihood of contamination incidents and procedural errors during real cleanroom sessions.
In addition, the project aims to make cleanroom education more scalable and efficient. VR training allows larger and more diverse student groups to gain meaningful exposure to nanofabrication processes without increasing pressure on expensive and capacity-constrained facilities. This frees up valuable cleanroom time for advanced, hands-on experimentation and research-driven learning.
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