Tech trends in Simulation

1. Patient Simulation Innovations

Patient simulation focuses on recreating clinical encounters using mannequins, standardized/simulated patients (SPs), and virtual patients. Recent developments emphasize higher fidelity, greater interactivity, and the integration of AI and extended reality (XR) to more closely mimic real patient interactions. Simulation centers worldwide are upgrading their technology to improve realism and broaden training scenarios.

1.1 High-Fidelity Mannequins: Realism and AI Integration

High-fidelity patient mannequins have become more lifelike than ever. Modern simulators exhibit realistic anatomy, physiology, and even behavior. They can speak, express emotions, and respond to interventions in human-like ways. Cloud-connected artificial intelligence enables these mannequins to converse with learners (e.g., answering questions about symptoms) and react spontaneously to treatments (e.g., crying, shaking, or pushing away painful stimuli), bridging the gap between mechanical models and real patient behavior (AI Manikin Provides Simulation & Training | SIM Center | Husson [https://www.husson.edu/college-of-business/blog/2024/05/look-whos-talking-ai-manikin-provides-lifelike-simulation-and-training-for-healthcare-students]). Internal sensors capture trainees’ actions in real time, logging performance data for debriefing (High Fidelity Simulation | Healthcare Simulation | HealthySimulation.com[https://www.healthysimulation.com/high-fidelity-simulation]). These simulators also support advanced procedures—such as trauma care or surgical interventions with real clinical instruments—offering tactile feedback through lifelike skin, bones, and internal tissues. Learners can practice complex skills like intubation, chest tube insertion, or defibrillation on responsive simulators that emulate live patient reactions.

Modern mannequins represent diverse patient populations (varying ages, skin tones, and conditions) and are used by interprofessional teams for realistic scenarios (New Nursing Technology Enhances Student Success at VSU - Valdosta State University [https://www.valdosta.edu/about/news/releases/2024/02/new-nursing-technology-enhances-student-success-at-vsu.php]). Training centers, particularly in the United States, are updating their inventories to include diverse patient representations and the latest features. European institutions are similarly investing in high-fidelity simulators for neonatal, obstetric, trauma, and geriatric care training. In the Asia-Pacific region, growing healthcare investment has led to widespread adoption of simulation labs; new hospitals and universities in countries like China, Japan, and Singapore are equipping skills centers with advanced patient simulators to improve clinical training standards.

A notable trend is the integration of artificial intelligence to control mannequin responses more dynamically. Rather than following only pre-scripted scenarios, some simulators use AI-driven physiological models and speech capabilities to adapt on the fly. The goal is to create a “live” patient feel—an AI-enabled mannequin can analyze a learner’s interventions and adjust its condition or dialogue accordingly. Early pilot programs report improved student engagement and realism; in one U.S. training center, students treating an AI-driven mannequin had to think on their feet as the “patient” could unexpectedly deteriorate or ask questions, mirroring real clinical encounters (AI Manikin Provides Simulation & Training | SIM Center | Husson [https://www.husson.edu/college-of-business/blog/2024/05/look-whos-talking-ai-manikin-provides-lifelike-simulation-and-training-for-healthcare-students]). As computing power and cloud connectivity improve, next-generation mannequins globally are expected to incorporate more AI for speech, facial expressions, and physiologic variability.

1.2 Standardized Patients and Hybrid Simulation

Despite advances in robotic simulators, standardized patients (SPs)—trained actors portraying patients—remain a cornerstone of simulation-based education. Recent efforts focus on enhancing SP encounters with technology and expanding access to SP-based training. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions experimented with remote standardized patient encounters via video conferencing. By 2023, this has evolved into structured programs where SPs interact with learners through tele-simulation platforms or virtual environments. In North America and Europe, some medical schools now run hybrid simulations where an SP appears on-screen (or in VR) to be interviewed and assessed by a remote learner, enabling continued practice of history-taking and communication skills when in-person sessions are not feasible.

Emerging technology is also enabling AI-driven virtual standardized patients. Researchers have begun using large language models to simulate patient conversations for training. A 2023 study found that an AI-powered virtual patient could successfully engage medical interns in clinical case management scenarios—participants practiced diagnosing and treating cases by interacting with the AI in natural language (AI-powered standardised patients: evaluating ChatGPT-4o’s impact on clinical case management in intern physicians | BMC Medical Education | Full Text[https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-025-06877-6]). Interns reported the experience felt consistent and useful, offering a safe, on-demand practice environment without risking real patients. Despite some technical challenges (e.g., occasional miscommunications), the pilot demonstrated the potential of conversational AI as a cost-effective, flexible adjunct to human SPs, especially for institutions with limited access to trained actors. Early adopters in Asia have explored similar AI-SPs—a project in Turkey used an AI model to simulate patient scenarios in Turkish, showing encouraging results (AI-powered standardised patients: evaluating ChatGPT-4o’s impact on clinical case management in intern physicians | BMC Medical Education | Full Text[https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-025-06877-6]).

Hybrid simulation combines human actors with wearable simulation technology. These wearable simulators allow actors to portray specific conditions realistically—such as childbirth scenarios with haptic feedback and automated physiological events (e.g., uterine contractions or fluid release) controlled via an app (Avbirth: The Gold Standard Wearable Birthing Simulator Goes Viral | HealthySimulation.com [https://www.healthysimulation.com/avkin-avbirth-best-wearable-birthing-simulator]). Learners respond to a real person experiencing a convincing simulation, enhancing immersion. Such scenarios are setting new standards in obstetrics and, in 2024, are being adapted for other use cases like cardiac exams or phlebotomy. Hybrid methods are gaining popularity in North America and are showcased at conferences like IMSH (USA) and SESAM (Europe) to increase scenario fidelity by blending human empathy with simulator precision.

1.3 Virtual and Augmented Reality in Patient Simulation

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are expanding options for patient simulation beyond physical labs. VR platforms create immersive 3D clinical scenarios where learners can practice assessment and decision-making. These systems often feature virtual patients—lifelike 3D characters that exhibit symptoms and respond to treatments

AR overlays virtual content onto the real world—such as holographic patients or vital signs visible through AR glasses. AR-integrated mannequin simulations project clinical findings in critical scenarios (Augmented Reality Integration in Manikin-Based Simulations [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10403467]). Another concept displays life-sized virtual patients with symptoms in classrooms (Experience of Using HoloPatient During the Coronavirus Disease[https://www.nursingsimulation.org/article/S1876-1399(23)00027-0/pdf]). Studies, including one in Taiwan in 2024, show AR-enhanced simulations improve knowledge and clinical reasoning by bridging theory with interactive visual cues (Effectiveness of simulation-based augmented reality in enhancing pediatric nursing and clinical reasoning competency among students: A quasi-experimental study - Clinical Simulation In Nursing[https://www.nursingsimulation.org/article/S1876-1399(24)00093-8/fulltext]). While AR adoption lags behind VR due to cost and complexity, pilot programs in Europe and Asia continue to explore its potential.

2. Surgical Simulation Advances

Surgical simulation has seen significant innovation, from robotic surgery trainers to immersive VR operating room simulations. With pressures to train surgeons more efficiently and safely, programs worldwide are turning to advanced simulators, haptic-enabled systems, and AI feedback tools to supplement traditional apprenticing.

2.1 Robotic Surgery Training Simulators

The rise of robotic-assisted surgery has driven demand for specialized simulators. VR simulations for robotic surgery are now common in residency programs. A 2023 systematic review confirmed that VR training significantly improves robotic surgical skills and is as effective as traditional exercises (Virtual reality simulations in robotic surgery training: a systematic [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39688774]). These modules allow novices to practice camera control, instrument manipulation, and full procedures in a zero-risk environment.

Researchers have prototyped lower-cost interfaces (e.g., using game controllers or novel haptic devices) to make robotic simulation more accessible (A novel affordable user interface for robotic surgery training - Frontiers[https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/digital-health/articles/10.3389/fdgth.2024.1428534/full]). Robotic surgery sim programs are proliferating in North America, Europe, and Asia—in the U.S., many fellowships require simulator proficiency before patient operations, while Europe and Asia (e.g., Japan, Korea, China) invest in simulation labs. Evidence shows better simulation translates to improved OR performance (ROBOTICS Emerging Trends That Herald the Future of - AUANews [https://auanews.net/issues/articles/2024/march-2024/robotics-emerging-trends-that-herald-the-future-of-robotic-surgical-simulation]).

2.2 VR-Based Surgical Training Platforms

VR surgical platforms offer fully immersive operating room experiences, where learners use headsets and instrument-like controllers to perform virtual surgery. Scenarios range from basic drills (e.g., suturing) to full procedures like knee arthroscopy. A top trend in 2023–2024 is integration with cutting-edge hardware, such as mixed-reality headsets blending VR and AR for interactive 3D holograms (Osso VR brings surgery training app to Apple Vision Pro | MedTech Dive[https://www.medtechdive.com/news/oss-vr-apple-vision-pro-surgery-training/713030]).

Haptic feedback is increasingly integrated to provide tactile realism—simulating sensations like bone drilling or tissue resistance (FundamentalVR Announces Partnership with Leading Robotics Expert Haply Robotics | Haply Robotics[https://www.haply.co/discover/fundamentalvr-announces-partnership-with-leading-robotics-expert-haply-robotics]). These platforms are used globally: in academic centers for resident training and in lower-income regions to standardize education (FundamentalVR, Orbis launch VR surgical training offering [https://www.massdevice.com/fundamentalvr-orbis-launch-vr-surgical-training]).

2.3 Haptics-Enabled and Mixed-Reality Systems

Haptics-enabled simulators incorporate force feedback and tactile sensations to mimic surgical interventions. Physical simulators for minimally invasive surgery provide instrument haptics, while VR systems use specialized devices to simulate resistance (ROBOTICS Emerging Trends That Herald the Future of - AUANews [https://auanews.net/issues/articles/2024/march-2024/robotics-emerging-trends-that-herald-the-future-of-robotic-surgical-simulation]). Mixed-reality systems combine physical models with virtual overlays—such as a mannequin birth with holographic anatomy (High Fidelity Simulation | Healthcare Simulation | HealthySimulation.com[https://www.healthysimulation.com/high-fidelity-simulation]). Haptics improve skill transfer by training muscle memory and force judgment, gaining traction in surgical skills labs worldwide.

2.4 AI-Integrated Performance Assessment

AI is transforming performance assessment by analyzing instrument paths, forces, and errors to provide objective feedback. Robotic systems capture precise data, which machine learning evaluates in seconds (How Artificial Intelligence Is Expected to Transform Surgical Training | ACS [https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and-articles/bulletin/2023/august-2023-volume-108-issue-8/how-artificial-intelligence-is-expected-to-transform-surgical-training]). Video analysis assesses safety steps in real time, and AI coaches offer intraoperative guidance (FundamentalVR Revolutionizes Surgical Training with Advanced AI Capabilities – OrthoFeed[https://orthofeed.com/2024/06/02/fundamentalvr-revolutionizes-surgical-training-with-advanced-ai-capabilities]). AI could soon design personalized learning paths and validate competency objectively, potentially revolutionizing certification.

3. New Technologies in Nursing Education and Emergency Training

Nursing and emergency care education have long embraced simulation, and new technologies are making it more immersive, accessible, and scalable, focusing on realistic scenarios and teamwork.

3.1 Immersive Scenario-Based Learning and Gamification

Immersive scenario-based simulations recreate complex clinical situations, like multi-patient emergencies or mass casualty incidents. Gamification, such as escape-room-style simulations or team competitions, boosts engagement (64 simulation and education programs to know | 2024 | Becker's [https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/lists/64-simulation-and-education-programs-to-know-2024]). Large-scale disaster drills with realistic props enhance leadership and communication skills. Projection technologies transform labs into immersive settings like emergency rooms.

3.2 Wearable Technology and Tactile Feedback in Training

Wearable simulators provide realistic clinical signs on actors, such as breathing or bleeding, enhancing tactile experience. Learner sensors measure stress or response times, while haptic wearables like gloves guide CPR technique.

3.3 Mobile Simulation Labs and On-the-Go Training

Mobile simulation labs bring training to remote areas, equipped with advanced simulators (64 simulation and education programs to know | 2024 | Becker's [https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/lists/64-simulation-and-education-programs-to-know-2024]). They simulate emergency rooms or ambulances and use telepresence for remote guidance.

Conclusion

The 2023–2024 period has seen robust innovation in simulation, making it more interactive, data-driven, and accessible globally. Future developments will likely see greater convergence of AI, VR/AR, and haptic systems, advancing healthcare training and patient safety.