Augmented Virtuality in a Digital Learning Factory for Collaborative Robotics

Abstract

As part of rising automation and individualization of products, human-robot collaboration plays an increasingly important role. To be able to use the advantages of this technology effectively, all concerned employees have to be trained accordingly. Existing training courses in the field of robotics, however, do not meet these requirements completely. Especially, competencies for innovative and creative process planning are not considered. Addressing these aspects is particularly important in the training of new employees. In the German vocational training system, however, the topic of collaborative robotics has not yet been included. Therefore, the project KoRA develops a mixed-reality learning environment with requirement-compliant scenarios in which the mandatory competencies will be taught. Within the mixed-reality learning environment, this paper focuses on the effect on haptic feedback. Investigations in the medical area show, that haptic feedback have an important impact in virtual training situations. Besides the classical haptic feedback through the vibration of a controller, there exist many approaches to realize a feedback. For practical applications in schools and companies, however, these approaches are often too complex. A more basic way to realize a haptic feedback, is to integrate static physical objects and create an augmented virtuality. This paper presents the results of an investigation, where a physical workstation is integrated into the virtual learning environment. It shows that even if the physical workstation not necessarily has to be touched, the perception of the virtual world has changed. In this context, some test subjects mentioned a dread of bumping into something. The results are described in detail and conclusions for the design of a virtual learning environment are discussed.