# Mixed Reality Laboratory Training Suite > **NIH NIH R43** · TIETRONIX SOFTWARE, INC. · 2020 · $149,890 ## Abstract Abstract & Project Summary Laboratory training is a complex and labor-intensive process. The quality of laboratory procedure execution is critical for scientific validity, clinical utility and the overall safety of laboratory workers. Over the past few years Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR, AR), or in combination, Mixed Reality (MX) technologies have been a subject of great interest in the training community for the realism and interactivity provided. Evidence is emerging from published studies that AR/VR simulators provide high fidelity training experiences as well as instantaneous, unbiased, and valid assessment of technical skills for scientific and health related fields. Virtual reality training contributes to the development of skills relevant for real procedures and might shorten the learning curve for new procedures. VR training sessions can build familiarity with work environments, equipment and proper procedures can and build competency through retention prior to or in combination with traditional training. VR provides a digital environment in which the user interacts as if it in the real world. The more recent technology development, Augmented Reality (AR), has begun to prove a powerful tool for delivering complex curricula content in supportive and interactive way as well as offering intraprocedural guidance. AR differs from VR because the focus of the interaction of the performed task is within the real world instead of the digital environment. Thus, AR offers the opportunity of a digital, often interactive overlay onto a real environment. These layers of the virtual and physical environment are combined in a way that an immersive, interactive environment is experienced by the user. AR may have a strong potential in public health and clinical laboratory personnel in remote, low resource areas where infectious disease outbreaks or other medical crises occur. In the recent past the cost and complexity of developing virtual and augmented reality simulators limited their widespread distribution. This is quickly changing as commercial AR and VR technologies become more affordable and available to organizations and the public. We propose this innovative continuum of AR android smartphone/tablet applications for introductory education and orientation, and companion, immersive VR simulators for laboratory skills and procedures training. These along with the innovated “closed-loop” AR technologies developed by Tietronix for NASA over the past 10 years adds a dimension of procedural oversight, insuring not only effective execution, but also correct outcomes of laboratory procedures. These tools present digital environments where trainees can learn about laboratory equipment and standard operating procedures quickly and correctly, thereby enabling rapid creation of an effective laboratory workforce. The envisioned tools can be matured in Phases II and III to a platform where instructional designers themselves can create newer, novel VR and AR ... ## Key facts - **NIH application ID:** 10010011 - **Project number:** 1R43GM134828-01A1 - **Recipient organization:** TIETRONIX SOFTWARE, INC. - **Principal Investigator:** William Robinson Buras - **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.) - **Funding institute:** NIH - **Fiscal year:** 2020 - **Award amount:** $149,890 - **Award type:** 1 - **Project period:** 2020-09-05 → 2021-09-04 ## Primary source NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10010011 ## Citation > US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10010011, Mixed Reality Laboratory Training Suite (1R43GM134828-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10010011. Licensed CC0. --- *[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*