HPLC Training for All: Integration of Multi-Language Artificial Intelligence (AI) Avatars in Virtual Reality (VR) Digital Twin Laboratories

The integration of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) training into academic curricula remains a challenge, due to the complexities of its theoretical concepts and the cost-prohibitive nature of HPLC instrumentation. This challenge in training is further compounded for students who are taught in the English language and for whom English is a Foreign Language (EFL), and who may struggle to understand traditional learning materials. This paper introduces a pioneering Virtual Reality (VR) platform for immersive HPLC training that is coupled with a conversationally intelligent Artificial Intelligence (AI) avatar capable of multilingual support. This approach provides students with an on-hand tutor for adaptive, immersive learning practices in whatever language they feel comfortable speaking in. The effectiveness of the AI models were evaluated via a survey of postgraduate Chemistry students at UCL, and the responses were analysed computationally using a series of evaluation metrics. Evaluation from TF-IDF, BLEU and BERT statistical analysis demonstrated that the AI avatar had superior linguistic and instructional performance across English, Spanish, and German, particularly in complex concept explanations, validating the potential for multilingual AI support in education. Survey feedback revealed that the AI Avatars with a knowledge bank significantly improved HPLC learning outcomes, with participants rating their engagement and the quality of learning above traditional methods.