applsci-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Advances in Virtual Reality Applications

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Computing and Artificial Intelligence".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2026 | Viewed by 9370

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Telecommunications, Széchenyi István University, H-9026 Gyor, Hungary
Interests: psychoacoustics; virtual reality; assistive technology; auralization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The concept of Digital Reality (DR) involves technical solutions using augmented and virtual environments—including audiovisual and tactile/haptic modalities—with a view towards creating functionally integrated digital ecosystems. DR can be assisted not only by increasingly high-fidelity I/O devices, but also by real-time, high-speed network connections, as well as sophisticated AI methods. Furthermore, DR research also focuses on cognitive aspects and human factors, i.e., how users perceive and interact with fully immersive 360 degree scenarios. The various forms of "Internet of somethings" are now covered under the umbrella term Internet of Digital Reality (IoD), which deals with digital cognitive entities and their networked communication. In the era of 5G-enhanced communication, virtual environments, metaverses, multimodal HCI, and widespread AI solutions, the synthesis of interdisciplinary fields is inevitable.

This Special Issue invites technical papers with a focus on any combination of technologies contributing to the vision of Digital Reality, with special focus on virtual reality applications. A wide scope of research fields will be covered, including but not limited to e-health, digital healthcare, telecommunications, education, automotive solutions, gaming, etc.

Dr. György Wersényi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • virtual reality
  • virtual and augmented realities
  • cognitive infocommunication
  • 3D immersion
  • human factors

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 4076 KB  
Article
Enhancing Lecture Interactivity Through Virtual Reality
by Marián Matys, Martin Gašo, Tomáš Balala and Ľuboslav Dulina
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020711 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 210
Abstract
Although conventional lectures can provide a wide range of information to a large group of people, maintaining attention and ensuring knowledge transfer can be a challenge. Therefore, it is important to look for new, engaging, and effective approaches. This pilot feasibility study explores [...] Read more.
Although conventional lectures can provide a wide range of information to a large group of people, maintaining attention and ensuring knowledge transfer can be a challenge. Therefore, it is important to look for new, engaging, and effective approaches. This pilot feasibility study explores the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in increasing student engagement and knowledge transfer during lectures in the field of supply chain logistics and inventory selection systems. An educational VR game was developed through the systematic design of application logic, the creation of 3D assets, the construction of virtual scenes, and the implementation of gameplay. The application simulates three inventory picking methods: conventional selection, Pick by Light, and Pick by Vision systems. A total of 22 master’s students participated in the pilot study. They tested three different versions of the VR game, compared the time they needed to complete it, and participated in a guided discussion and questionnaire. The preliminary student reports indicated that students felt more engaged in the learning process and reported a perceived higher engagement with inventory picking systems compared to the traditional lecture format. On the other hand, participants mentioned concerns about nausea and the unavailability of VR headsets. The pilot results indicate that VR shows potential as an educational tool for teaching industrial logistics because it transforms the typical classroom environment into a more active and playful one, leading to a more natural understanding of the subject. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Virtual Reality Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1406 KB  
Article
The Effects of Advertisement Placement Configurations on Visual Attention and Recall According to Dynamic Road Traffic Conditions Using Virtual Reality and Eye Tracking
by Haram Choi and Sanghun Nam
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 698; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020698 - 9 Jan 2026
Viewed by 212
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) provides immersive environments that resemble real-world consumption settings, enabling realistic analysis of consumer responses to advertisements. Therefore, VR has been increasingly adopted in marketing. Visual attention is a key indicator of advertising effectiveness, and neuromarketing approaches using eye-tracking are widely [...] Read more.
Virtual reality (VR) provides immersive environments that resemble real-world consumption settings, enabling realistic analysis of consumer responses to advertisements. Therefore, VR has been increasingly adopted in marketing. Visual attention is a key indicator of advertising effectiveness, and neuromarketing approaches using eye-tracking are widely used to overcome the limitations of self-report measures by providing objective insights into attentional processes. However, most previous studies have focused on static retail environments, leaving a research gap in understanding advertising effectiveness in dynamic road traffic contexts. Guided by selective attention theory, this study addresses this gap by integrating VR and eye-tracking to examine how advertisement placement under different traffic conditions influences visual attention and recall. A real-time eye-tracking measurement system was developed, and fixation duration, fixation count, and recall were used as evaluation metrics. The results showed significant differences across advertisement placement types. Advertisements positioned in front of buildings during stops elicited the highest levels of visual attention and recall, indicating that attention is greater when users are stationary than when riding. These findings indicate that cognitive resources shift from traffic-related tasks to advertisements as cognitive load decreases, highlighting the effectiveness of integrating VR and eye-tracking to objectively evaluate advertising outcomes in dynamic environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Virtual Reality Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 1812 KB  
Article
Effectiveness of High-Intensity Therapy in Rehabilitation of Parkinson’s Disease Patients
by Szilvia Kóra, György Wersényi, Péter Prukner, István Drotár, Nándor Prontvai, Petra Kós and József Tollár
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 5890; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15115890 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 3027
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder with no cure. In this randomized controlled study, 100 patients with PD were assigned to four intervention groups (Exergame, Cycling, Agility, and Robot) for 14 weeks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of high-intensity therapy in [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder with no cure. In this randomized controlled study, 100 patients with PD were assigned to four intervention groups (Exergame, Cycling, Agility, and Robot) for 14 weeks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of high-intensity therapy in a randomized clinical trial. Exergaming, cycling, agility, and robot therapies improved motor function, postural stability, and cardiovascular health. Heart rate monitoring and Borg Scale ratings confirmed the safety and adaptability of high-intensity training, with patients sustaining moderate-to-high exertion without adverse effects. Significant improvements were observed in gait speed (+0.30–0.50 m/s), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) (+25–30 points), and Berg Balance Scale scores. Integrating high-intensity, functional movement-based therapies into PD rehabilitation may offer superior motor, gait, and cardiovascular benefits compared to conventional methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Virtual Reality Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 1704 KB  
Review
Exploring Chemistry in Virtual Reality: A Comparative Analysis of VR Simulations for Chemistry Education
by Jamshid Kayumov, Durbek Usmanov, Ugiloy Yusupova, Zulayho Smanova and Bakhtiyor Rasulev
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 13254; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413254 - 18 Dec 2025
Viewed by 702
Abstract
It is hard to envision a modern world where information technology does not facilitate daily tasks, including learning and teaching. This paper explores the use of virtual reality (VR) simulations in chemistry education, focusing on how immersive VR environments can enhance the learning [...] Read more.
It is hard to envision a modern world where information technology does not facilitate daily tasks, including learning and teaching. This paper explores the use of virtual reality (VR) simulations in chemistry education, focusing on how immersive VR environments can enhance the learning experience for students. With chemistry often posing challenges due to its abstract and complex concepts, VR technology allows for a more interactive and visual approach, enabling students to visualize molecular structures, chemical reactions, and laboratory procedures. The study concludes that virtual reality (VR) simulations are crucial in modernizing chemistry education by making abstract and complex concepts more interactive and visual. Through a comprehensive analysis of current VR tools and simulations, the article discusses their strengths and limitations, providing a critical overview of the role of VR in modernizing chemistry education. The findings suggest that VR simulations can significantly improve students’ engagement with and understanding of complex chemistry concepts. Also, the results suggests that integrating VR into chemistry education can revolutionize traditional teaching methods, providing a more immersive and engaging learning experience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Virtual Reality Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 5473 KB  
Review
Applications of AI and VR in High-Risk Training Simulations: A Bibliometric Review
by Pablo Fernández-Arias, Antonio del Bosque, Georgios Lampropoulos and Diego Vergara
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5424; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105424 - 13 May 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4697
Abstract
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) in high-risk training simulations represents a significant advance in preparing professionals for critical situations. This study presents an exhaustive bibliometric review of the scientific literature published between 2015 and 2025, analyzing the trends, [...] Read more.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) in high-risk training simulations represents a significant advance in preparing professionals for critical situations. This study presents an exhaustive bibliometric review of the scientific literature published between 2015 and 2025, analyzing the trends, impact, and evolution of these technologies in various high-risk fields. The methodology employed included systematic searches in databases, such as Web of Science and Scopus, using keywords related to AI, VR, and high-risk simulation. Here, 700 articles were analyzed, applying co-citation analysis and scientific mapping techniques. The results reveal an exponential growth in publications on this topic, with an average annual increase of 5.54%. The following main thematic clusters were identified: emergency medicine, aviation, nuclear industry, and disaster response. The co-authorship analysis showed strong international collaboration, with the United States, China, and Germany standing out as leaders in research. This study provides a comprehensive view of the current state of research, identifying the main areas, gaps, and opportunities in the application of AI and VR in high-risk training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Virtual Reality Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop