https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/903 2026-09-24T03:22:56Z 2026-09-24T03:22:56Z Bondin, A. Zammit, J. P. Francalanza, E. Borg, Jonathan C. Dallasega, P. Lanzone, M. Maffei, A. Monetti, F. M. Amza, C. G. Chicioreanu, T. D. Ljubić, S. Batistić, L. Abdoli, S. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149307 2026-09-23T06:28:41Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Rethinking engineering education in light of mixed reality opportunities : results from a European Survey Authors: Bondin, A.; Zammit, J. P.; Francalanza, E.; Borg, Jonathan C.; Dallasega, P.; Lanzone, M.; Maffei, A.; Monetti, F. M.; Amza, C. G.; Chicioreanu, T. D.; Ljubić, S.; Batistić, L.; Abdoli, S. Abstract: Technology-driven manufacturing has been a transformative force, reshaping not only industrial processes but society at large. The integration of smart systems has enabled companies to reduce production costs, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality. Yet, competitive advantage increasingly depends on human capital, and many engineering graduates lack the competencies to operate effectively in digitally advanced environments. This study draws on a cross-sectional European survey capturing responses from 217 engineering students and 63 educators/mentors across multiple countries. Results reveal strong overall satisfaction with engineering education (60% satisfied, 35% neutral), but highlight systemic weaknesses: lack of hands-on training, limited industry collaboration, and passive delivery models. Students emphasised low engagement and motivation, while educators stressed barriers in content development and limited access to advanced technologies. Both groups recognised the potential of Mixed Reality (MR) to address these gaps, with over three-quarters of respondents reporting at least some familiarity with MR. However, adoption remains minimal, with only 22% of educators having integrated MR in their teaching. The findings indicate that MR-based Virtual Learning Environments could help bridge the persistent theory–practice divide by increasing engagement, reducing reliance on physical equipment, and enhancing inclusivity through flexible and multilingual design. These insights underscore the urgent need for scalable infrastructure and educator training to support integration. MR, when combined with gamification and microlearning, offers a promising pathway to align engineering education more closely with Industry 4.0/5.0 skill demands.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Ley, P.-P. Wirths, L. Oleff, C. Jungreitmayr, F. Vajna, S. Paetzold, K. Borg, Jonathan C. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149169 2026-09-16T08:10:36Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A methodical approach to integrated product development in total hip arthroplasty Authors: Ley, P.-P.; Wirths, L.; Oleff, C.; Jungreitmayr, F.; Vajna, S.; Paetzold, K.; Borg, Jonathan C. Abstract: Hip joint arthroplasty is considered to be a safe, successful and cost-effective procedure to restore hip joint functionality. However, a successful hip joint arthroplasty affects different stakeholders e.g. patient and surgeon and depends on various influencing factors within the product life cycle as well as the applied technological opportunities. Due to the complex dependencies between influencing factors, technological opportunities and stakeholders, this contribution introduces an IPD-based approach to improve the quality of total hip arthroplasties.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Grech, Alexia K. Borg, Jonathan C. Muscat, Maria Rita Ellul, Carmel https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149168 2026-09-16T08:06:18Z 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Structuring knowledge from surgical observations for design reuse Authors: Grech, Alexia K.; Borg, Jonathan C.; Muscat, Maria Rita; Ellul, Carmel Abstract: Due to the many benefits that it offers patients, Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is becoming even more and more popular in a wide range of surgical fields. This paper describes a set of surgical observations that were carried out in order to investigate the problem of swapping of single functional tools that takes place in a particular MIS procedure. Results showed the need for multifunctional end-effectors having modular and interchangeable interfaces. This paper contributes to generating a set of design guidelines from the knowledge captured from a number of medical professionals, from observations made inside the operating theatre and from a review of existing patents. The ultimate aim of capturing and structuring the knowledge is to reuse it in medical device companies involved in design and manufacturing, by incorporating it in a knowledge intensive prototype tool to proactively guide designers in the early stages of design.

2009-01-01T00:00:00Z Borg, Jonathan C. Giannini, F. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149167 2026-09-16T07:58:51Z 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Exploiting integrated 'product' & 'life-phase' features Authors: Borg, Jonathan C.; Giannini, F. Abstract: Increasing competition requires more and more effort in delivering new products with better prices, good quality and environment savings. In this scenario, since most of the cost and product characteristics are dependent on commitments taken at the early design stages, designers require tools supporting them at considering the consequences of their decisions on the whole product life-cycle, starting from the conceptual design stage to the disposal phase. The adoption of such tools may enforce the exploration of different alternatives thus increasing the possibility of identifying the most convenient and innovative solution. Form features have been recognized as shape-oriented elements for associating geometry with engineering meaning, thus helping in reasoning on products in functional terms. However as argued in this paper, information on shape alone is insufficient for meaningful evaluation and forecast of life-cycle product consequences. The paper presents an approach for considering 'life-cycle consequences' during the design decision process, by taking into account both artefact features and the characteristics of the involved life-cycle systems.

2001-01-01T00:00:00Z