A Framework for Developing Collaborative Training Environments for Assembling
Yizhe Chang, El‐Sayed S. Aziz, Sven K. Esche, Constantin Chassapis · 2020
Abstract 120th ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition Atlanta, Georgia, USA, June 23-26, 2013 A Framework for Developing Collaborative Training Environments for AssemblingAbstractState-of-the-art 3D video games can provide their users with a near-real experience from visual,audio and interactivity perspectives. Numerous efforts have been made to take advantage ofthese favorable characteristics for educational purposes. The majority of these projects focusedeither on the reconstruction of certain scenarios, for instance for fire, earthquake or floodemergency response training, driver or pilot training, medical training, or on the realisticsimulation of real environments, such as virtual museum tours and virtual architectural tours.However, only recently have attempts been made to develop virtual engineering trainingenvironments, since they require the assembly of different types of individual components intopotentially complex systems and involve interactions between multiple participants and modelsof physical devices.In this article, a framework for developing collaborative environments for mechanical assemblytraining based on a commercial computer game engine will be introduced. Such environmentsnot only maintain the feel of immersion of a 3D game, but also emphasize realistic physicaldevice management and control. In this context, the trainees are enabled to manage a largevariety of mechanical components, assemble them according to engineering requirements orpotentially disassemble them. Also, the instructors can monitor the entire assembly process andautomatically collect performance statistics. Therefore, such environments have the potential tobecome valuable workforce development tools that enable their users to acquire practical skillsfor assembling a variety of electro-mechanical systems for the purpose of manufacturing,maintenance and repair.