Training Operators in VR, A scalable solution for efficient VR training creation

Abstract

Industry 4.0 is revolutionizing the automotive industry at an increasing speed. Many companies are exploring different ways to make different operations, within the industrialization processes, more efficient. In that context, Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are being implemented by many players in the industry, with the aim to gain in speed-to-market. Currently, companies within different industries are exploring how to integrate VR for operator training. Therefore, this thesis, conducted at Volvo Cars Corporation (VCC), in Torslanda, Sweden, aims to identify how to reduce the effort for VR operator training scenes creation with scripting, with the goal to achieve auto generation as well as large-scale implementation of VR training. The methodology implemented in this study is based on product development practices, with in this case, the product being VR operator training. First, the best adapted software to use was chosen: IPS, along with an HTC Vive hardware, to create and develop VR operator training and to envision its large-scale implementation. Furthermore, qualitative interviews and a literature review were conducted to acquire more knowledge, together with several tests and discussions with experts, to confirm and evaluate the findings. The topics covered were the identification of the relevant data to populate a VR operator training scene, the scripting for the auto generation of the scene itself and the learning facilitation, by considering the auto generation of pedagogical elements. The results were that using IPS, implementing the created scripts for auto generating a VR training scene was possible, populated with all the elements required, including the assembly, the plant layout with fixtures and storage furniture, as well as pedagogical elements such as text instructions, visual cues, and motion sequences of an assembly manufacturing. Challenges on the way of the large-scale implementation of this new type of training were identified and how to try and fix them was envisioned, to draw a blueprint for the implementation of VR operator training at VCC.