Roudlotus Sholikhah, Mochamad Bruri Triyono, Sukarno, Sudiyono
The accelerating digital transformation of education highlights the need for smart and immersive technologies to prepare vocational learners for Industry 4.0. Virtual Reality (VR) has gained recognition as a powerful tool in Vocational Education and Training (VET); however, existing research remains fragmented on how VR-based learning systems are conceptualized and developed to support future-oriented learning environments. This study aims to systematically examine the trends, patterns, and thematic focuses of VR-based learning systems in VET, as well as how these systems are evolving towards an intelligent and adaptive learning framework. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis were conducted on 43 peerreviewed articles published between 2020 and 2024, retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The review followed the PRISMA protocol and used the PICOS framework for inclusion criteria. VOSviewer and Bibliometric supported data analysis. The results identified three main research themes: simulation-based technical training, virtual laboratories, and learner-centered immersive environments. The recent shift towards intelligent VR systems-integrating AI adaptability, realtime feedback, biometric sensing, and personalized pathways demonstrates its alignment with the needs of the future workforce. In conclusion, VR in VET is evolving into an adaptive and intelligent infrastructure for competency-based learning, making it future-ready. In the future, research is expected to include the implementation of VR in project-based pedagogy and incorporate interdisciplinary innovations to lead to sustainable and scalable integration. © 2025 IEEE.
Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Technology and Vocational Education, Postgraduate School, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Universitas Negeri Semarang, Department of Fashion Design Education, Semarang, Indonesia; Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Faculty of Language, Art, and Culture, Department of English Education, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
