From June 2 to 25, 2025, the IKSAR team and ITMO University’s National Center for Infochemistry jointly conducted testing of an innovative educational approach using augmented reality (AR). After a brief training session by IKSAR specialists, ITMO instructors independently developed a short AR-based course using the IKSAR platform, aimed at teaching students to operate complex laboratory equipment in real-world settings.
The pilot involved students using AR headsets preloaded with step-by-step equipment operation instructions and hands-on tasks. Students independently completed assignments with minimal instructor involvement—effectively and safely, both for themselves and the lab equipment.
The IKSAR software displayed graphic step-by-step instructions directly in the AR headset. Navigation through the instructions was controlled via voice commands or physical buttons on the headset. Students not only followed correct operational procedures but also entered real measurement data. All user actions left a digital footprint, giving instructors detailed analytics, first-person activity logs, and lab results in a structured format.
The IKSAR software displayed graphic step-by-step instructions directly in the AR headset. Navigation through the instructions was controlled via voice commands or physical buttons on the headset. Students not only followed correct operational procedures but also entered real measurement data. All user actions left a digital footprint, giving instructors detailed analytics, first-person activity logs, and lab results in a structured format.
If needed, the platform also allowed real-time video calls with remote experts who could view the student’s first-person perspective and provide contextual AR-guided support.
For testing, IKSAR provided several modern AR headset models, including Inmo X Lite, Inmo Air 2, RealWear 520, and RealWear 500.
For testing, IKSAR provided several modern AR headset models, including Inmo X Lite, Inmo Air 2, RealWear 520, and RealWear 500.
The trial involved over 30 participants, including students, faculty, and even high school pupils. Feedback surveys showed that the overwhelming majority expressed interest in using such technologies regularly in the learning process.
Igor Gulyansky, Product Lead at IKSAR, highlighted that the global AR market for industrial applications was valued at ~$42 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach ~$250 billion by 2030, with an expected annual growth rate of 37% from 2024 to 2030. Key market leaders include the U.S., China, Japan, Germany, South Korea, and India. China’s AR market alone reached $9 billion in 2023. He emphasized Russia’s significant potential for AR across various industries, with education being of particularly high interest. IKSAR is already active in 12 sectors domestically and views its partnership with ITMO as a major step toward enhancing learning efficiency through AR and AI technologies.
Dr. Evgeny Smirnov, Doctor of Chemistry and Professor at ITMO, noted that augmented reality, computer vision, and artificial intelligence enable a new paradigm in education. These technologies help optimize instructor workload, improve knowledge retention, reduce student errors and equipment damage, and accelerate laboratory tasks—thus increasing the number of practical sessions institutions can offer.
Dr. Smirnov also mentioned that on June 21, 2025, ITMO hosted a Board of Trustees meeting, which included industry representatives and researchers from the Life Sciences megafaculty. Attendees had the opportunity to personally experience the AR-based training methods. The board recognized the high potential of the initiative for curriculum development and enhancing the competitiveness of future graduates.
Dr. Evgeny Smirnov, Doctor of Chemistry and Professor at ITMO, noted that augmented reality, computer vision, and artificial intelligence enable a new paradigm in education. These technologies help optimize instructor workload, improve knowledge retention, reduce student errors and equipment damage, and accelerate laboratory tasks—thus increasing the number of practical sessions institutions can offer.
Dr. Smirnov also mentioned that on June 21, 2025, ITMO hosted a Board of Trustees meeting, which included industry representatives and researchers from the Life Sciences megafaculty. Attendees had the opportunity to personally experience the AR-based training methods. The board recognized the high potential of the initiative for curriculum development and enhancing the competitiveness of future graduates.