Usability and Learnability of Industrial Automation Training Equipment: A Basis to Innovate A Prototype

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the usability, learnability and satisfaction level of the three industrial automation training equipment in teaching two subjects: electro-pneumatics; and programmable logic control. The three models of training equipment were used for practical activities on the three fields of specialization: electrical technology; industrial automation technology; and mechatronics technology. The study made use of mixed method of research. Sources of data were gathered through document analysis and survey questionnaire. The data gathered were statistically treated using frequency, weighted mean, and t-test. The study discovered that the industrial automation training equipment earned: usability level rate of 4.64, described as best; learnability level score of 4.76, depicted as best; and satisfaction level value of 4.69, portrayed as very high. Furthermore, findings reveal that there is no significant difference between usability level and learnability level, between learnability level and satisfaction level, and between satisfaction level and usability level. The study proposed to innovate the next prototype of industrial automation training equipment with frequency inverter, human machine interface, and DC motor that will enhance skills competency in mechatronics servicing NC 4.