How immersive tools and student innovation are shaping the future of engineering
What happens when students are handed advanced immersive technology, industry mentorship and a pressing sustainability challenge? You get Battery Twin XR, a student-led solution designed to improve EV battery recycling through digital twin innovation.
In the latest episode of the Engineering the Future Workforce podcast, Dora Smith of Siemens spoke with Suavi Yildirim, a master’s student in autonomy technologies and leader of the winning team in the Siemens-Sony Immersive Design Challenge. Their conversation offered a glimpse into how immersive engineering is transforming both education and design.
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A glimpse into the future workforce
Suavi Yildirim and his team approached the challenge with more than competition in mind. They saw a chance to make an impact on industry. Using Siemens NX Immersive Designer and Sony’s XR headset, they created Battery Twin XR, a digital twin that simulates EV battery recycling to reduce inefficiencies and environmental impact.
“Engineering is about shaping systems that are responsible and future-proof,” Suavi explained.
That mindset reflects a broader shift in today’s engineering talent. The workforce of tomorrow isn’t just looking to build products — they’re looking to build solutions that align with long-term environmental and societal goals. Projects like Battery Twin XR demonstrate how immersive technology is producing graduates who are ready to lead in a rapidly evolving world.
Why students need access to immersive tech
When Suavi and his team visualized their EV battery recycling layout in virtual reality, they uncovered safety issues and design flaws that traditional 2D models wouldn’t have revealed. Being able to walk through their design in real time allowed them to iterate quickly, refine workflows and make smarter decisions early in the process.
“In VR, it was much easier to catch flaws and adjust our layout to be safer and more efficient,” Suavi explained.
This experience shows just how powerful immersive tools can be for student learning. When given access to these technologies, students don’t just grasp concepts — they develop the agility and systems thinking needed to solve practical problems faster and with more confidence.
Learning beyond the classroom
What stood out was how the challenge bridged academia with industry expectations. Mentorship from Siemens and Sony engineers exposed the team to manufacturing constraints like cost and scalability. Each team member brought a different skillset, from robotics to data analytics, making the solution richer and more robust.
This kind of cross-functional collaboration mirrors the complexity of innovation in today’s workplaces and builds critical confidence along the way.
The impact of microcredentials
One of the most powerful tools in the team’s toolkit wasn’t just software — it was knowledge. As part of his preparation, Suavi took a course offered by Siemens and the University of Colorado Boulder on Sustainability and the Circular Economy. This course is part of the larger Design for the Circular Economy microcredential, which is also the first industry credential to be recognized by ABET.
By taking this course, Suavi and his team gained key insights for their sustainability strategy.
“We used what we learned from those courses to evaluate our ideas and ensure sustainability was part of the design, not something added at the end.”
Armed with that knowledge, the team used NX tools to measure energy and carbon impact from the start. This underlines how targeted learning paired with the right tools can drive smarter, more sustainable decisions.
Rethinking engineering education
Suavi’s journey highlights how engineering education is evolving. Access to immersive tools, self-guided learning and industry engagement are helping students lead with purpose and adapt faster. As Suavi put it, curiosity and passion are becoming just as important as credentials.
Now, his team will present Battery Twin XR at Realize LIVE Europe 2025 —bringing student-driven innovation into conversation with global industry leaders.
Ready to see student innovation in action?
Join us at Realize LIVE Europe 2025 in Amsterdam from June 30 – July 2, 2025.
Connect with a global community of thinkers and doers across design, manufacturing and lifecycle management. With 350+ sessions and 50+ hands-on workshops, the future of engineering starts here. If you’re an educator, take advantage of the exclusive academic rate.
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Engineering the Future Workforce
Engineering the Future Workforce explores emerging and best practices that are empowering the next generation of engineering talent. The series will showcase conversations with leading voices from academia and industry who are committed to improving learners’ digital skillset and mindset to accelerate innovation.
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