Enhancing manufacturing education based on controller-free augmented reality learning

Abstract

Based on several exemplary use-cases, the technological limits as well as the educational impact of controller-free Augmented Reality learning, using the Microsoft HoloLens 2, were investigated. The field of application was manufacturing engineering, and here in particular, the aluminum extrusion process. Compared to traditional learning environments, such as lectures and exercises, the developed test environments included the additional use of learning setups at the actual forming machine in the laboratory, enhanced by Augmented Reality. A total of 12 students from various academic years participated in the impact analysis study. The study comprised a general survey regarding various aspects of the controller-free learning, including visual and acoustic appearance of the developed scenarios as well as details regarding the control of the augmented objects. It was found that, even though none of the students had used such a device before, interacting with the holograms by hand, and not through controllers, was intuitive for the majority of students. In contrast, the interaction mode for long distances, the hand ray control mode, was assessed as unintuitive and frustrating at times. The visual and acoustic quality of the developed applications was rated high and sufficient for the use in education and production environments. Specific features developed for the extrusion press application, such as the display of Finite-Element-Simulation results, kinematic process animations, live sensor data through webservers and virtual safety walls were regarded as fundamental for the beneficial use of Augmented Reality in education and production. Based on the findings, future Augmented Reality applications in the field of manufacturing education can improve in usability and acceptance by engineering students without prior testing.