Mixed Reality Technology Applications in Construction Equipment Operator Training

Abstract: This paper provides information on Mixed Reality (MR), and more specifically Augmented Reality (AR) and their potential applications in heavy construction equipment and operator training. Mixed Reality involves the use of special display and tracking technologies that are capable of seamlessly merging digital (virtual) content into a real environment. Conceptual designs and application scenarios of two AR systems for construction are presented: an AR-based equipment management system (AR EMS) for maintenance, and repair of heavy equipment fleet, and an AR-based operator training system (AR OTS) that trains the novice operators in a real worksite environment populated with virtual materials and instructions

Comparative study of AR versus video tutorials for minor maintenance operations

[EN] Augmented Reality (AR) has become a mainstream technology in the development of solutions for repair and maintenance operations. Although most of the AR solutions are still limited to specific contexts in industry, some consumer electronics companies have started to offer pre-packaged AR solutions as alternative to video-based tutorials (VT) for minor maintenance operations. In this paper, we present a comparative study of the acquired knowledge and user perception achieved with AR and VT solutions in some maintenance tasks of IT equipment. The results indicate that both systems help users to acquire knowledge in various aspects of equipment maintenance. Although no statistically significant differences were found between AR and VT solutions, users scored higher on the AR version in all cases. Moreover, the users explicitly preferred the AR version when evaluating three different usability and satisfaction criteria. For the AR version, a strong and significant correlation was found between the satisfaction and the achieved knowledge. Since the AR solution achieved similar learning results with higher usability scores than the video-based tutorials, these results suggest that AR solutions are the most effective approach to substitute the typical paper-based instructions in consumer electronics.This work has been supported by Spanish MINECO and EU ERDF programs under grant RTI2018-098156-B-C55.Morillo, P.; García García, I.; Orduña, JM.; Fernández, M.; Juan, M. (2020). Comparative study of AR versus video tutorials for minor maintenance operations. Multimedia Tools and Applications. 79(11-12):7073-7100. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-019-08437-9S707371007911-12Ahn J, Williamson J, Gartrell M, Han R, Lv Q, Mishra S (2015) Supporting healthy grocery shopping via mobile augmented reality. 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Continuous maintenance and the future – Foundations and technological challenges

High value and long life products require continuous maintenance throughout their life cycle to achieve required performance with optimum through-life cost. This paper presents foundations and technologies required to offer the maintenance service. Component and system level degradation science, assessment and modelling along with life cycle ‘big data’ analytics are the two most important knowledge and skill base required for the continuous maintenance. Advanced computing and visualisation technologies will improve efficiency of the maintenance and reduce through-life cost of the product. Future of continuous maintenance within the Industry 4.0 context also identifies the role of IoT, standards and cyber security

Creating awareness of kinaesthetic learning using the Experience API: current practices, emerging challenges, possible solutions

We describe our use of the Experience API in preparing blue-collar workers for three frequently arising work contexts, including, for example, the requirement to perform maintenance tasks exactly as specified, consistently, quickly, and without error. We provide some theoretical underpinning for modifying and updating the API to remain useful in near-future training scenarios, such as having a shorter time allowed for kinaesthetic learning experiences than in traditional apprenticeships or training. We propose ways to involve a wide range of stakeholders in appraising the API and ensuring that any enhancements to it, or add-ons, are useful, feasible and compatible with current TEL practices and tools, such as learning-design modelling languages

Bridging the Gap Between Real and Artificial Worlds: The Next Generation Classroom

Students today represent a new generation of learner which requires us to look beyond our tradition training methods. Augmented Reality (AR) has already shown great promise of transforming the way interact with students in any technically driven education such as aviation. The operation and maintenance of modern aircraft requires an understanding of several interrelated human and machine components requiring practice and immersion. The immersive experience can be enhanced with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Relevant to the task at hand, they both have the ability to alter our perception of the world, give real-time feedback, improve the efficiency of skills transfer and increased knowledge retention. Where they differ, is the perception of our presence