Application of Virtual Reality (VR) Technology in Mining and Civil Engineering

By inergency On Mar 7, 2024

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1. Introduction

Technological progress is an important criterion for global economic development. Innovative technologies used by companies often determine their profitability and efficiency but are also an important element of an innovative and attractive workplace. Today, the most advanced technologies are based on the automation and robotisation of processes using drones, inspection robots, exoskeletons or virtual reality (VR). This last technology is a particular area of research for many scientists around the world. In recent years, there have been significant technological advances that have given engineers access to different tools for modelling and visualising different parts of our reality.

Virtual reality has seen significant progress since its modest beginnings in the 1990s. Initially experimental and confined to research laboratories and academic institutions, the technology has shown an evolution in both hardware and software, leading to advanced VR systems. In the first decade of the 21st century, the technological boom brought the emergence of VR pioneers, ushering in a new era of virtual reality exploration. The increased interest in this area has led to the development of a number of platforms offering high-quality visual experiences, interactions and immersive experiences for users.

Innovations in interaction have played a key role in the technological development of VR. The introduction of wired or wireless motion controllers has enabled users to manipulate objects in a virtual environment, further increasing immersion and engagement. In addition, motion-tracking technologies have made it possible to move more naturally in a virtual space, increasing the realism of the experience.

With the development of technology, VR has crossed the boundaries of entertainment and found its way into various fields such as education, training, medicine, architecture and tourism. The ability to move into a virtual environment allows users to experience reality in a completely new way, opening the door to unlimited possibilities for exploration and creation.

Virtual reality has come a considerable way from its modest beginnings to the now sophisticated systems that offer users the opportunity to embody entirely new worlds and experience reality in ways that seemed impossible just a few years ago.

Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a transformative tool with the potential to significantly enhance sustainability in the realm of occupational health and safety (OHS), particularly within industries prone to high accident rates, such as mining and construction. The integration of VR technology into OHS practices represents a significant opportunity to enhance sustainability in industries with high accident rates. By improving safety practices, enhancing efficiency, minimising the environmental impact, enabling remote collaboration and driving innovation, VR contributes to fostering a safer, more sustainable workplace for current and future generations.

2. Virtual Reality

VR is defined as a collection of hardware and software (Figure 1) that interactively engages users and stimulates their senses in a virtual environment [1]. Virtual reality technology is considered to be the technology of the future. Many studies are being conducted in this area to explore the potential benefits and added value of integrating it with standard technologies currently used at different stages of the production lifecycle. In fact, Christiansson [2] predicted 30 years ago that in the future, which is happening before our eyes, it would be possible to develop models and/or systems to provide people with much better communication tools, such as communication rooms, personal “telescreens” and virtual reality.

Visualisation enables the graphical presentation of intricate concepts to any audience, regardless of the location or time [4]. The effectiveness of VR training remains unaffected by users’ age experience. The results of studies indicate a positive reception towards VR training among users, suggesting potential benefits from its utilisation [5]. To implement VR technology, it is essential to create devices enabling effective software control. The primary motivation behind implementing a VR environment lies in its capacity for realism and immersion, which allows users to perceive virtual worlds as authentic experiences [6]. The evolution of graphics engines and software tools simplifies the creation of visual interfaces within 3D virtual environments. These interfaces use interactive 3D graphics to represent visual and spatial information, facilitating natural interaction through the direct manipulation of objects [7].

Much attention has been focused on exploring the usability and benefits of interactive virtual reality in investment process planning, knowledge acquisition, design and simulation. Managing multiple interrelated processes and datasets is an important part of ensuring the sustainability of operations. A mixed reality simulation can provide an opportunity to improve the knowledge and understanding of operations through a digital twin. Both present and prospective employess have the capacity to analyse and forecast using past, present and future datasets [8].

There are several barriers to the stable and widespread use of VR. Initially, the lack of strategic and collaborative development in VR was a significant challenge. Additionally, the inconsistency in development poses a problem, considering the substantial time and resources required for many VR projects. Furthermore, the rapid development of technology necessitates ongoing support to prevent simulations from becoming outdated rapidly. Another barrier lies in the necessity for highly skilled personnel in VR development [1].

Many companies are looking for solutions to improve safety or ergonomics in new applications. This is particularly important in high-risk industries such as mining and construction. These industries have some of the highest accident rates and therefore require increased attention. The mining industry focuses on underground, surface and borehole mining. There are a number of hazards in each of these, and among the most dangerous are natural hazards, which often lead to serious and fatal accidents. The same applies to the construction industry, whose main activity is the execution of construction projects. In this industry, the main hazards are working at height and contact with heavy structural elements. Again, there is a high probability of serious and fatal accidents.

Considering all these aspects, it seems that virtual reality could be an important technological solution for the control of mining and construction projects, taking into account occupational safety. Many researchers point to the possibility of improving the safety status of workplaces through the use of innovative technologies, including virtual reality technology. Studies in the current literature, including [9,10,11,12], are essential for highlighting research topics and gaps in virtual reality (VR) application. However, they still lack a comprehensive presentation of the analysed issue from diverse perspectives and contexts. To fill this gap, this review study aims to provide a bibliometric and scientific mapping methodology to present the state-of-the-art papers published in peer-reviewed journals on the application of virtual reality technology in mining and construction. Using the above data analysis methods, the authors aimed to present the issue from two perspectives/scientific fields to better understand the existing trends and gaps in the field of VR application. The authors focused on two scientific fields of VR applications, i.e., mining and construction, to identify unique research topics and needs, recent technological developments and trends and practical applications.

3. Materials and Methods

The SLR (the systematic literature review) method was used to conduct the literature review. The literature (sources) was analysed on the basis of defined keywords. Two keywords were defined: ‘VR OR virtual reality AND mining engineering OR mining’ and ‘VR OR virtual reality AND civil engineering OR construction industry’. In this publication, the Scopus database was used for the analysis. The literature analysis was carried out from 1990 to 31 December 2023, and only original scientific articles in English were included. This resulted in a total of 953 records, significant parts of which occurred twice or were not related to the mining or construction industry (Table 1), ultimately allowing just over 100 scientific papers to be included. The analysis performed showed a growing interest (exponential type) in the topic, which may indicate the development and popularity of virtual reality technology and its use in various areas of mining and civil engineering.

4. Application of Virtual Reality (VR) Technology in Mining and Civil Engineering

The use of virtual reality is becoming an important technological solution in the mining and construction industry. This has been confirmed by numerous scientific publications. It is used in many areas, from the education, planning and design of technological processes to the visualisation, simulation and monitoring of production processes. Of course, a significant area of VR use is also occupational safety for training or hazard analysis. Table 2 summarises a selection of the more important scientific work on the use of VR technology in various areas of mining and civil engineering. The main achievements in this area are discussed in the following section.

4.1. Mining

In recent years, VR technology has been increasingly used in the mining industry. Visualisation provides the opportunity to carefully consider past experiences and events, leading to more informed decision making [4]. Most VR content in the mining industry requires the precise control of equipment operations or responses [6]. Virtual reality (VR) simulation is an excellent tool for training, education, simulating abnormal and hazardous conditions in mines and solving complex problems. Currently, VR is successfully used in the mining industry for data visualisation, accident reconstruction, simulation applications, risk analysis, hazard awareness and training [6,109,110,111].

4.1.1. Education

Education is an essential element in the acquisition of knowledge and skills by future and current employees. The most effective way to build these skills is through active experiential learning. A significant and effective support for education through intuitive, immersive and interactive features [17] can be the implementation of digital mining technology using virtual reality technology. The 3D models, once simulated, are projected onto a virtual reality platform. Through the manipulation of these models within the platform, students can acquire first-hand mining experience. Furthermore, remote control could facilitate the mapping of the virtual models onto the actual mine layout [3,13,15]. VR technology can be successfully applied to many areas of mining operations. One example is the use of interactive simulators to train dragline operators. The results indicate that training on an immersive simulator can provide measurable short-term performance improvements for experienced dragline operators [14]. Similar effects can be achieved when simulating the mining and engineering environment, particularly in deposit mining, which is important for decision making and learning from one’s mistakes [16].

4.1.2. Design, Simulation and Monitoring of Technological Processes

Today, the design of specific sections within underground workings can be significantly improved through the utilisation of computer techniques such as 3D scanning, computer simulation and virtual reality. This advancement promises a more dependable design process, notable cost and design effort reductions and improved safety for mine workers. Visualising the outcomes, facilitated by virtual reality, will offer valuable input into the design process for the chosen sections of underground mine workings [89]. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has experienced rapid development, demonstrating significant potential when integrated with planning technology for visualising the complete planning and design process [17,90]. The planning phase captures the intended design of an object, tool, machine or the outline of a technical process. This process guides human activity from the starting point (the problem to be solved) to the end point, i.e., the expected idea. In the technical sciences, the classical design model is based on a 2D technical drawing and, in more modern solutions, on spatial models (3D). However, this solution does not represent the actual final image. Augmented and virtual realities come to the rescue. As shown by Aromaa and Väänänen [82], VR technology is a better solution because the computer simulation of the physical product in VR technology allows the designed object to be presented, analysed and tested from different aspects. The authors demonstrated this for the design of a rock crushing machine, taking into account the ergonomics of its operation. In addition, the visualisation and manipulation of 3D models is intended to simulate the results of planning the implementation of machine assembly [80], including mining machines.

VR is an evolving technology that utilises advancing computing capabilities to simulate both real and imagined environments and scenarios with remarkable realism and interactivity [84]. Leveraging VR technology can facilitate guidance in planning the exploitation of a mining area and foster the systematic advancement of mining operations [85]. The simulation of mining processes using VR technology allows for much the better planning and monitoring of production continuity, taking into account formal, legal, environmental and economic considerations. This can be achieved in a number of ways. Hou et al. [83] proposed a method for dynamically generating a virtual coal mining scene based on the transformation and combination of 3D entities, while Pinto et al. [73] presented a method using multiple subroutines based on a 3D design for simulation purposes. The virtual environment makes it possible to consider complex mining processes and incorporate the operation of machinery. It is possible to reproduce and visually check the system behaviour, such as interactions, disturbances and potential risks. The aim is to identify critical system safety issues and provide a comfortable and efficient working system [75]. Toraño et al. [77] applied fuzzy logic, neural networks and three-dimensional (3D) finite element calculations to develop a computer-based model to predict the response of the harvester and powered roof support to changing operating conditions. This response was validated through extensive data collected from in-depth measurement campaigns and then presented to the system user using virtual reality modelling language (VRML) tools. Li et al. [87] devised a virtual reality-driven cutting path planning technology tailored for a harvesting machine. The results suggest that the proposed trajectory control strategy enhances both the accuracy and stability of the harvester’s motion trajectory.

Despite once seeming unattainable, unmanned mining is increasingly prevalent due to the introduction of automated processes [79]. A piece of technology for unmanned mining, specifically designed for fully mechanised longwall face automation production, has been proposed. This pivotal technology aims to visualise face production by merging virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Drawing upon the visual theoretical model of the longwall face, this integration realises real-time interactive functionality and 3D registration capabilities, effectively bringing face production into visualisation. Foster and Burton [74] carried out modelling using virtual reality to observe and improve the visibility of underground mining vehicles, which helped to reduce the risks associated with these vehicles.

Various methods, techniques and procedures developed specifically for mine reconstruction and simulation are the basis for building a digital virtual reality model [71]. In fact, the use of GIS tools makes it possible to create digital models, which, in many cases, are the basic environment for virtual reality. Virtual reality serves as a valuable tool for mapping, offering scientifically valid data that can be integrated, analysed and processed within the extensive dataset of existing geographic information system (GIS) environments using powerful GIS tools [86]. The combination of geographical information systems and virtual reality has been employed to construct stratigraphic structure models in mining regions, providing important reference points for mining, and for resource exploration and geological data management [88]. Al-Fugara et al. [81] utilised remote sensing techniques and GIS tools to monitor the long-term geological response of karst to environmental changes. The detailed visualisation of the karst area and its surface alterations necessitates the utilisation of a 3D virtual reality tool to assess the impacts of open-cast mining accurately. Similarly, Wu et al. [78] developed a 3D model of the karst area and then transferred it to a virtual reality environment to provide a user-friendly environment for interactive data analysis. The use of virtual reality is also possible in geophysical studies [76].

A very important aspect of sustainable mining, and one that is relatively easy to demonstrate, is the reclamation and eventual regeneration of landforms after mining has ceased. Visualisation systems and simulators can be used to model, visualise, assess, track and present these issues to stakeholders. Such predictive modelling and visualisation can not only demonstrate the impacts of mining in the short, medium and long term [4] but also allow interactive models of the mine to be viewed almost anywhere with an internet connection and access to the location where the model is stored [72].

4.1.3. Occupational Safety

Mines are classified as high-risk workplaces and are characterised by a dynamic environment that can present significant risks specific to the mining industry [54]. Improving the quality of training by providing an engaging and simulated practical environment will lead to safer participant behaviour, ultimately resulting in fewer accidents and fatalities. Ensuring workplace safety is one of the most important aspects of any mining operation. It is essential to reducing accident rates. To achieve this, it is important to provide highly effective health and safety training. The quality and effectiveness of training is determined by the didactic methods used, the skills of the trainers and the approach of the trainees to the training process. Learning should be active and experiential. This allows for a problem-solving approach. Improving the quality of training by providing an engaging and simulated practical environment will lead to safer behaviour enacted by the participants, which will ultimately lead to fewer accidents and fatalities [41]. This is made possible by using gaming technology to allow students to control the learning process in a dynamic, responsive and visually rich three-dimensional virtual environment [111]. Virtual reality is increasingly being used to increase the knowledge and awareness of mine safety among mine workers [38,39]. The application of virtual reality technology in mine safety offers managers the chance to conduct cost-effective safety training [52]. Virtual reality enables the development of training scenarios that may be impractical or hazardous to replicate in real-world settings [112]. Undoubtedly, employing VR applications engages employees in the training process, enhances human capabilities and motivation to acquire new knowledge and rectifies inefficient and incorrect work procedures [46]. A virtual training system was developed using Virtools-based virtual reality technology to improve miners’ survival skills in the face of a coal and gas explosion accident [51]. Based on their research, the authors demonstrated the effectiveness of the tool by highlighting that it induces a strong sense of reality and shock in participants, and the training system has a good sense of interactivity and immersion. Basic visibility training methods do not engage employees and may not be sufficient to capture the dynamic, three-dimensional nature of blind spots around industrial equipment. Customised virtual reality has therefore been used, which can change the way visibility information is presented [53]. Lucas et al. [40] developed a VR-based training programme for conveyor belt safety, while Schaum et al. [41] developed one for truck safety. Similarly, Orr et al. [42] and Lei et al. [49] developed a virtual reality-based mine rescue training system to improve the tactical skills of rescue teams, understand rescue theories and standardise behaviour. In contrast, Grabowski and Jankowski [50] described the results of a pilot virtual reality-based training course for miners working underground. Trainees reported finding the system beneficial, experiencing positive training effects even three months after the sessions.

Simulations of accident reconstruction, particularly those involving serious or fatal accidents, can significantly contribute to preventing future occurrences. The challenge lies in implementing proactive systems that demonstrate to workers the potential consequences of exposure to specific hazards. In reality, such incidents are irreplicable, and in most cases, lessons can only be learned from the mistakes of others. An education and training system utilising virtual reality enables employees to encounter various risks within a safe environment and to simulate the possible consequences of hazardous actions in a ‘forgiving’ environment [48].

Employing modern technological solutions is a vital aspect of ergonomics and hazard analysis in the workplace. Dickey et al. [47] utilised virtual reality technology, incorporating physics-based models of vehicle dynamics along with advanced motion platforms, to develop powerful systems for assessing factors related to the health and safety of heavy equipment operators in the mining industry. Their applications enable controlled laboratory testing to simulate workplace conditions and evaluate worker comfort, injury risk and overall productivity. This system effectively examines the interaction between whole-body vibration and posture. Meanwhile, Cai et al. [43,44,45] introduced a virtual mine platform for simulating risk behaviour based on multi-agent technology, modelling and simulating human, machine and environmental risk factors in underground coal mines. The model made it possible to investigate the mechanism of human risk behaviour in the mine environment and to reconstruct typical mine accidents.

4.2. Construction

Virtual reality is currently being used in the construction industry and construction-related research, particularly for designing applications, and as tools to improve construction processes [113]. At first, virtual reality was used in the design process as a support to the client/developer and an opportunity to visualise/review the design in an easier, i.e., more readable form. It further evolved into the simulation of the construction process and construction planning [114]. Today, virtual reality also has applications in education and the application of innovative technologies.

4.2.1. Education

Technological innovations such as virtual reality (VR) have been successfully integrated into education and training programs. A number of simulated virtual environments have been developed, improving learning outcomes for their participants, improving the ability to acquire knowledge, including specialised knowledge in the workplace, which, using traditional methods, requires years of experience and apprenticeship training.

VR technology makes it possible to simulate various construction environments and processes, analyse the correctness of accepted schemes and modify functional parameters, which enables the optimisation of the planning, design and construction processes of a construction project. Virtual reality offers immersive learning opportunities and a cost-effective solution in an immersive and safe environment for construction safety training.

Although engineering curricula include the need for on-the-job training, there are times when students graduate without gaining on-site experience [19]. Technical site visits are an important part of civil engineering teaching/learning. Due to access difficulties and the overriding need to ensure safety for visitors, real-time site visits may not always be possible. An alternative solution was proposed by Wilkins and Barret [20], who developed a multimedia database of actual construction projects that allowed the development of virtual construction sites. Virtual construction sites allow students to take virtual field trips, making it possible to present the construction process to students. In the applications, it is possible to simulate the process of constructing walls [23,24,25].

Virtual reality also has applications for acquiring theoretical knowledge in civil engineering. So, for example, Chou et al. [18] developed an application for teaching a static strength analysis of simple structures, while Setareh [26] developed one for modelling the behaviour of building structures during seismic activity. Jason [30] used VR goggles and a developed virtual environment to teach students how to design assemblies of frame structures. Virtual reality also makes it possible to conduct laboratory classes. Vergara et al. [29] proposed a lab on testing the compressive strength of materials, using the concrete compression test as an example, and Budhu [21] developed a virtual lab on soil mechanics.

Virtual reality can also support the proper management of construction facilities and the analysis of structural conditions. For example, Souza et al. [22] developed a virtual environment for classes on the maintenance of building structures and the identification of problems related to their operation. In the developed environment, students take on the role of structural engineers and must detect problems in their structures and assess their causes. Miyamoto et al. [27], on the other hand, proposed a system using virtual reality for educational purposes in bridge inspections. Using a virtual bridge model, an experienced bridge inspection specialist teaches students about various bridge degradation factors.

In all the studies, the authors agree that students are very positive about the implementation of virtual reality technology in the construction curriculum. The use of virtual reality yields favourable results for engineering education and introduces new techniques that significantly improve the efficiency of knowledge transfer and communication between the teacher and student. Spatial vision skills also increase [35].

Virtual reality-based training simulators are also being successfully used outside of academia by operators and professionals. In recent years, the construction industry has begun to use the technology to train, among others, operators of heavy construction equipment [28,31] in a real working environment filled with virtual materials and instructions, excavator operators using a remote-controlled cockpit that gives the operator the impression of sitting in a real hydraulic excavator [32], drilling machine operators [36,37], crane and overhead crane operators [33] or timber wall construction installers [34].

4.2.2. Design, Simulation and Monitoring of Technological Processes

Designs using virtual reality allow for the analysis of the entire lifecycle of a building [97]. The use of virtual reality supports designers in communicating between design teams, as well as decision-makers and end users at each design stage [95].

Virtual reality can be effectively used to design structures as well as installations. Thus, for example, Xie et al. [99] applied BIM technology and used it in the virtual world to optimise steel structures, and Espinoza et al. [105] used BIM and virtual reality to design mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. During the design process, integrated and sustainable building design is an important issue, so Pang et al. [102] proposed building an energy simulation in real time to improve building operations.

Due to the nature of the construction industry, it is important to consider the applied technologies of structural construction as well as the automation of construction processes when designing. Yu and Chen [107] employed virtual reality technology to investigate the automation of civil engineering process designs. Their study delved into analysing the flexibility, authenticity, regionality and security requirements of virtual reality in transferring data from cloud platforms. With the emergence of prefabricated construction technology, there has been a change in the construction methods employed for building structures. This aspect was addressed in the research of Garg and Kamat [101], who proposed a method for automating the production of prefabricated elements and the design of rebar baskets using virtual reality (VR)-assisted virtual prototyping.

Through the use of virtual reality, civil engineers and architects have the opportunity to evaluate design documentation under real, though virtual, conditions. Using virtual reality, designers can see, early in the design process, possible clashes in the design documentation, avoid their occurrence, and visualise the iterative impact of changes made on other aspects of the designed object and structure [91].

During the design process, communication between designers and design teams is a very important issue. Immersive BIM 4D simulation based on virtual reality collaboration can offer a unique, supportive environment for conducting feasibility study meetings in the construction industry [103]. Moreover, Tea et al. [106] developed an immersive VR application that can effectively be used to remotely enable the collaboration of designers during project coordination using a single virtual environment.

Virtual reality can be a very useful visual communication tool not only for project teams but also for dealing with potential users/buyers. The use of virtual reality is a powerful visualisation tool that helps clients understand a space. Hence, for example, Juan et al. [104] developed a VR-based system for selling residential projects. The results of the study showed that VR enhances the understanding of projects and increases the propensity of customers to buy them.

Construction planning is a complex activity that involves extracting construction activities from project documentation to drawings, allocating human and equipment resources on site, planning a safe workplace for construction workers and planning the sequence of activities.

Virtual reality (VR) technology serves as a valuable tool for supporting the planning of construction activities, aiding decision-makers by enabling the creation of a virtual environment populated with objects possessing real properties. This environment allows the user or planner to interact with these objects. As noted by Li et al. [59], within such a meticulously crafted virtual environment, closely resembling the real world, a construction planner can realistically execute construction activities to plan, assess and validate them. Leveraging a virtual reality-based model equipped with progress simulation and visualisation capabilities facilitates the seamless integration of construction site activities into the planning and scheduling of the entire construction project [92].

For instance, Waly and Thabet [96] used virtual reality (VR) modelling techniques to develop an integrated tool for virtual construction project planning. The developed tool allows planners to visualise, analyse and evaluate construction processes before construction begins in order to inform and improve decision making. Abdelhameed [100] proposed simulating schedule changes in the order in which they occur directly in a VR model. Schiavi et al. [108], on the other hand, developed a system to automatically generate a VR scenario for the time-sensitive assembly of building structures (BIM 4D), and Hammad et al. [98] proposed virtual models of construction equipment to interactively simulate construction activities on site in virtual reality mode.

During construction, the optimal management of construction contractors and the dynamic planning of construction site development are important aspects. Tawfik and Ferdnando [93] developed a virtual simulation environment system for modelling, visualising and optimising construction site development layouts. The developed environment allows space analyses and the generation of automated site layouts that meet a combination of criteria for minimising costs and maximising efficiency and safety.

Executives during the construction process, including site managers, are under constant pressure to make decisions. Rojas and Mukherjee [94] proposed a simulation tool for the course of the investment process, dedicated to executives, aimed at exposing participants to rapidly unfolding events and decision-making pressures. The use of situational simulations provides construction managers and other decision-makers with the opportunity to experience and respond to risky events without risking the success of actual projects while improving their decision-making skills.

4.2.3. Occupational Safety

Construction is a high-risk industry with a high accident rate, and the main contributor to construction accidents is the human factor. Many workers lack sufficient safety and health training, resulting in a deficit of knowledge and skills. It is imperative to implement effective training programs to enhance workers’ safety competence and mitigate accidents. Relying on firsthand experience to learn about hazardous situations is legally and ethically unfeasible and unjustifiable. A potential solution to address this issue is through virtual reality (VR) simulations, which afford trainees and employees the opportunity to safely experience dangerous scenarios without exposing them to real-world hazards. Virtual reality-assisted training is gaining importance due to its immersive nature and high involvement of trainees, which is lacking in traditional lecture-based safety training.

In recent years, a number of applications/training systems using virtual reality have been developed. Current research is mainly focused on the development of VR-based safety training programs [66]. Thus, Rwamamara et al. [57] investigated how improvements in construction site health and safety can be achieved through the use of virtual reality. The article’s conclusions showed the great potential of 3D visualisation for communicating construction information, as well as health and safety risks. In contrast, Le et al. [60] developed a virtual reality system that allows trainees to role-play, learn and interact socially in construction safety and health education. The developed system enables an understanding of the causes of construction site accidents and hazard identification. Enhancing trainees’ hazard identification skills is possible through the use of an augmented 360-degree panoramas [52,64].

Applications are used for virtual reality training in occupational safety and hazard identifications. Many applications have been developed dedicated to work at height [55,67,68], as well as work in excavations [69]. Safety training platforms are available for the assembly and disassembly of tower cranes [58,59]. Furthermore, Jelonek et al. [65] developed and tested a VR simulation for training in the safe operation of hand-held power tools, particularly the operation of an angle grinder.

Virtual reality can also be used to study the harmful factors present on the job site, such as construction noise, which has an impact on human health [61], or to assess human behaviour when exposed to hazards at height, by assessing gait patterns, measuring instability, and cardiovascular reactivity [56].

Virtual reality increases the effectiveness of training but also the satisfaction of trainees [70]. Research results indicate that trainees in the proposed systems learn better than those using traditional methods. Participants in VR-based training rate it as more inspiring [63].

5. Future of VR Technology—Discussion

Research results clearly indicate the growing popularity of VR technology around the world. Virtual reality has come a long way since its inception, and the future holds even more exciting possibilities. The areas of application of this technology are gradually expanding. In the coming years, virtual/augmented/mixed reality will encompass every aspect of our lives. Commerce, medicine, transportation, architecture, urban planning, construction and mining are just some of them. The two main obstacles standing in the way of the development of these technologies, high cost and low-quality content, are no longer a problem thanks to ongoing scientific research. The key is to strategically develop and maintain the technical capabilities to realise this potential. Continued work in this area can bring innovation beyond our current reality [1].

Virtual reality is becoming much more accessible, with many applications, systems, accessories and content being developed targeting diverse audiences. Although the research and use of virtual reality has been going on for decades, there are still many aspects that need to be explored in the future, especially with the rapid technological development in recent years [3].

One of the many industries that has taken an interest in virtual reality is the education and training industry. It seems necessary to change the current paradigm for acquiring practical engineering knowledge during studies, for example, to accommodate students’ digital skills. Virtual reality is an important alternative to conventional teaching methods. According to the studies, including those of Nykänen et al. [63] and Alzarrad et al. [70], people in virtual reality are much more effective at remembering the content they are taught. Training in virtual reality produces better results—future students and trainees absorb knowledge faster and monitor their progress thanks to the advanced programs they work on. VR technology can be used, among other things, to support training, learning, design, etc. Thanks to VR simulations, it is possible to experience and observe phenomena that are not available on a daily basis (accidents at work). Training based on virtual reality has already been taking place for several years around the world, and in the coming years, the number of potential users of education based on this technology could be in the millions. According to the authors, virtual reality will become a standard in classrooms.

The potential in this technology has also been recognised by the industry, which is proving that virtual reality can be successfully used in the design of construction and mining facilities, but also machinery, significantly reducing the associated costs. VR technology makes it possible to create simulation models, so you can see exactly what the finished project will look like before production and commissioning. Virtual reality design also allows you to make changes to models immediately, without having to physically rebuild them.

Virtual reality, as the most immersive medium for process simulation and visualisation, is likely to become a permanent part of the work. Visualising a process from the perspective of a participant “transported” to the virtual world allows him to replay and simulate forward or backward the course of the process, as well as jump directly to any period. In addition, the virtual presence of colleagues in the VR environment eliminates the need for their physical presence. This will allow joint initiatives to be undertaken in an international environment. With virtual reality, being in a physical location to get work done will no longer be necessary. Advanced collaboration tools already allow engineers and designers to work remotely on 3D models, although there are several challenges to implementing this technology. Nevertheless, engineers and scientists are optimistic about the potential of virtual reality to transform the average workplace [115].

Based on the observations of the authors, as well as the analysis of scientific achievements, it is possible to characterise the general directions of the development and use of virtual reality accordingly:

–: The pervasiveness of VR technology for research and business management;
–: Creation of digital training rooms and classrooms that will allow one to experience phenomena and events that are reflected in reality;
–: Creation of virtual models and scenarios that allow simultaneous use by multiple operators (multiplayer);
–: Striving for a more realistic picture of the virtual environment;
–: Ongoing (online) planning and creation of models and scenarios, active visualisation and simulation of phenomena and events allowing one to observe production processes with variable parameters.

6. Conclusions

Virtual reality has great potential, but its implementation is not yet mature. VR technology has gained great recognition in the mining and construction industry. It is widely used at every stage of operations, taking into account the design, planning and management processes and the creation of safe working conditions. It is possible that, in the near future, it will be an important tool not only for optimising technological processes, costs and profits in the world’s most profitable companies but also for shaping the better achievements of mankind. Given the uninterrupted technological and scientific development, it can also be concluded that VR will be one of the key elements in the development of expansion beyond our planet.

This study adds to the literature by identifying past and present research areas related to the application of virtual reality. The integration of the technology into the sectors discussed has a very positive vision for the future, and the sub-areas presented have great potential for the application of the technology.

Author Contributions

Conceptualisation, P.S. and M.S.; methodology, P.S.; validation, P.S., P.B., M.S. and M.N.; formal analysis, P.S., P.B., M.S. and M.N.; investigation, P.S., P.B., M.S. and M.N.; writing—original draft preparation, P.S., P.B., M.S. and M.N.; writing—review and editing, P.S., P.B., M.S. and M.N.; supervision, P.S. and M.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This study was supported by the Polish Ministry of Education and Science Subsidy 2023 for the Department of Mining WUST (grant number 8211104160).

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Figure 1.
Elements of a VR system (own elaboration based on [3]).

Table 1.
Keywords and search results.

Years	Keywords
	“VR OR Virtual Reality AND Mining Engineering OR Mining”	“VR OR Virtual Reality AND Civil Engineering OR Construction Industry”
	Number of Documents
1990–1994	1	1
1995–1999	21	19
2000–2004	36	38
2005–2009	76	42
2010–2014	102	30
2015–2019	160	54
2020–2023	199	174
Total	595	358

Table 2.
Scientific publications on the application of VR technology in different areas of mining and civil engineering.

Area	Mining Engineering	Civil Engineering
Education	[3,13,14,15,16,17]	[18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37]
Occupational safety	[38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54]	[55,56,57,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70]
Design, simulation and monitoring of technological processes	[3,17,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90]	[49,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105,106,107,108]

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