An immersive training environment for the assembly of an EasyMax chemical stirrer  

EasyMax chemical stirrer

The tutorial

Before starting the main training simulation, all users get basic training on VR which includes moving around the scene and interacting with virtual objects.

The training software instructs the user what to do next using a console located to the next to the equipment and audio cues. The console provides a description of how to perform the current task. Audio clips play once the user starts a new task and contain information to support the text from the console. This helps reinforce learning and informs the user the previous task has been completed.

Objects are highlighted to show which to use next, where they need to be placed and to confirm they have been placed in the correct location. There is also an outline that appears when the gloves touch a piece of equipment ready to be grabbed, providing visual feedback to the user.

There are also several animations such as when the brace closes or the propeller adjusts into place, that show the task has been correctly completed and how the equipment will behave in real life.

Interactive features

The user interacts with the equipment and is able to grab, move, manipulate and release objects. Assembly, disassembly and adjustment of the EasyMax can be performed by virtually touching objects and then holding the grabbing button on the controller. The object is released once the user stops pushing the grab button.

Another interactive feature enables the user to activate virtual buttons on a 3D interface. These are present on the console and have multiple functions, such as indicating that the user has finished the current task.

The user is able to touch and click different elements to perform an action. This is relevant for instance, to open valves or to open the brace supporting the Easymax. There is also a translation feature that allows the user to move position within the scene.

Console and highlighting (feedback features that help the user)

Simulating equipment failure

The training will stop if the user removes the brace before taking out the probes, as this will probably result in equipment failure. If this happens the glass reactor is likely to break because of the weight of the whole structure now resting on this piece of glass.

Completing the training

After re-assembling the EasyMax, the user will be able to end the experiment. Once finished, a message will appear and the user can choose to ether repeat the training or remove the headset and exit the application. Evaluation of how effective the training has been is demonstrated when the participant performs the same tasks using the real EasyMax equipment.

Next steps

This project will go through a pilot testing phase before a more exhaustive study that will measure its efficiency. Virtual training will be compared against other digital media training methods such as video training and a tablet computer app that will be developed to simulate the same process.