In their sixth semester, Biotechnology Engineering students take the Bioreactor Design course, which demands both theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of each bioreactor component. However, this process is often challenging because students hesitate to manipulate real equipment. To address this, an augmented reality (AR) application was developed to enhance engagement and provide a safe environment for exploration. The 3D bioreactor model was created in AutoCAD and animated in SimLab to simulate real operation. Professors validated the tool and implemented it in a bioprocess laboratory with 120 students divided equally into experimental and control groups. A mixed-method design combined satisfaction surveys, performance tests, and sentiment analysis of open-ended responses. Results revealed highly favorable perceptions regarding ease of use, interactivity, and learning support. Independent-sample t-test results showed a significant improvement in academic performance for the AR group (t(58)=2.41, p=0.019), along with shorter operation times during bioreactor handling. Sentiment analysis confirmed predominantly positive emotional polarity, aligning with survey data. Overall, the AR application effectively improved motivation, efficiency, and conceptual understanding, demonstrating its potential as an innovative pedagogical tool for biotechnology education.
