Today’s technical learning faces multiple limitations
Virtual Labs provides a scalable, cost-effective and standalone solution that closes this gap and fulfills the demand for flexible learning and increasing learner motivation.
With Virtual Labs, learners do not just see a system – they experience it. They walk through pneumatic circuits, follow flow paths, and understand cause-and-effect instantly.
Request DemoVirtual Labs is the next step in 3D simulation software for pneumatics – driven by the advanced FluidSIM simulation core.
It combines schematic planning with an immersive 3D world. Learners can build, test, and understand complete pneumatic systems. Pressure, flow, timing, and system behavior become visually tangible – anytime, anywhere. And all without needing accessibility to hardware and trainers.
Virtual Labs combines proven circuit design workflows with an interactive 3D and VR/MR environment. It brings the 3D system setup, the FluidSIM circuit view, and contextual Festo LX instructions into one seamless workspace, enabling learners to design, understand, and execute pneumatic tasks with confidence.
This is beyond generic VR.
Virtual Labs is a purpose-built simulation platform for pneumatics. Engineered with the didactic expertise of Festo.
A full class can build and simulate pneumatic systems independently – in the classroom, remotely or in hybrid learning setups.
Virtual Labs supports the entire learning cycle: students prepare lab sessions in advance, explore and practice systems when physical equipment is limited, and revisit scenarios after lab time when trainers are no longer available.
By seeing how air flows, how valves switch, and how actuators move in real time, learners develop a deep system understanding. This creates an understanding no 2D diagram can offer.
Operators and technicians train on virtual systems anytime and anywhere, before using real equipment. Safety-critical processes and common faults can be practiced without interrupting production or exposing learners to risks.
Step 1: Design your circuit with FluidSIM
Create a pneumatic circuit with the symbol set and logic you already know. Define components, connections and operating conditions – forming the foundation for immersive 3D assembly and simulation.
The user can create a very own circuit design with FluidSIM or choose from given circuit design examples within Virtual Labs.
Immerse yourself in the 3D environment of Virtual Labs. Select valves, cylinders, etc. from the 3D component library, matching your previously designed circuit. Connect the hoses and transfer your circuit design into a realistic pneumatic setup.
Your circuit takes shape in a realistic 3D space.
Learners train in Virtual Reality or Mixed Reality. They operate controls, analyze system behavior, detect faults, and repeat scenarios until confidence is built. This immersive, hands-on training directly supports technical education and industrial training objectives.
Festo offers decades of expertise in pneumatic automation, technical education, and simulation. Virtual Labs combines this heritage with modern 3D and Mixed-/Virtual Reality technology to deliver a future-ready learning experience that supports safe, efficient, and scalable technical training.
With Virtual Labs, you benefit from simulation accuracy proven in thousands of training centers worldwide – now extended into a modern 3D world
Virtual Labs is a 3D simulation software and an immersive training environment made for safe 24/7 training in Mixed Reality and Virtual Reality.
It extends traditional schematic design with immersive 3D and XR-based learning. Enabling users to build systems, visualize physical work principles and train realistically without the need of access to laboratory training systems.
FluidSIM focuses on 2D schematic circuit design, simulation and theoretical understanding. Virtual Labs builds up on top of that by adding an immersive 3D layer for practical system building, system behavior exploration, and realistic training in virtual environments. A learner transforms theoretical and abstract knowledge in practical and applied skills.
Virtual Labs is designed for pneumatics as the first fully supported technology.
The underlying simulation technology is based on the FluidSIM simulation core, which also supports further technologies such as hydraulics and electrical engineering.
Virtual Labs is therefore future-ready for additional domains – we will keep you updated on any progress.
Learners train:
Virtual Labs is designed for:
Yes. Virtual Labs supports free 3D system construction, allowing users to assemble any system structure with the selection of the available component library ranging from easy to complex tasks.
No. Virtual Labs works entirely without lab equipment. Everything you need is a Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3s (XR-Headset) and an internet connection.
Virtual Labs is ideal when equipment or budget is limited, unsafe, or unavailable. Perfectly suited for remote or hybrid learning.
The best training results will be achieved when combining physical lab equipment training sessions with digital and virtual training sessions.
Virtual Labs is available as an app in the Meta Horizon Store. Simply download the app from the store.
Before using Virtual Labs, it is necessary to redeem your license ticket in Festo LX. Once this is done simply login in the Virtual Labs app with your Festo user and you are ready to go!
Virtual Labs uses the advanced FluidSIM simulation core, ensuring consistent physics and behavior just like in the real world.
You can use your existing Festo account for all Festo Software applications, like Festo LX, FluidSIM, etc.
Virtual Labs is designed to be used alongside traditional Festo training systems, as the best learning result will be achieved by using both digital and physical learning systems.
Most organizations start with:
1. A demo session in coordination with your Festo contact partner
2. Definition of the specific learning targets
3. Acquiring your VR-Equipment (Meta Quest 3)
4. Setup of your Meta Quest 3 and install Virtual Labs from the Meta Store.
5. Pilot training with a selected learner group
6. Rollout to broader teams or classrooms
Festo supports each step with consulting and onboarding.
Virtual Labs is offered as an annual user license.
The best option is a 1-year subscription license, as it comes with the best price for value. On top of that, you can select between a time-limited 1-, 3- or 5-year contract.
Packages for schools, companies, or large teams can be arranged. Your Festo representative will help you find the right setup for your situation.
Yes. Virtual Labs enables safety-critical training scenarios without risk, since learners interact with virtual systems.
It also supports consistent, repeatable training that aligns with modern safety standards.
Yes, absolutely.
The partnership of physical equipment with simulations enables you to teach the best of both worlds:
By combining both formats, you will achieve the best learning results.