Presentation on learning process optimization at the reutlingen conference
- 14.09.2023
- Research
Prof. (FH) Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Schmiedinger, PhD during his presentation at the Conference for Learning Factories in Reutlingen.
As part of the conference at the University of Reutlingen in May, Prof. (FH) Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Schmiedinger, PhD together with Prof. (FH) Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Martin Adam presented a current research project in the field of learning process optimization.
Various workstations are available in the Lean Lab at the Kufstein University. As part of the training courses in the lab, the focus there is primarily on the application of process optimization strategies such as lean methods. In addition, various technical systems can also be tested and assessed in the Lean Lab.
A key aspect of manual production processes is the training of new procedures. Both the high degree of individualization of products and the optimization of the utilization of production facilities require effective training strategies in order to reduce the time required for retraining and at the same time ensure the quality of the products. A joint research project by employees from the Smart Products & Solutions (now: Smart Smart Products & AI-driven Development), ERP Systems & Business Process Management, Data Science & Intelligent Analytics, Marketing & Communication Management and Industrial Engineering & Management degree programs investigated the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)-based workplace training.
During VR training, people go through the workflow in virtual reality. The individual work steps are displayed intuitively and must be carried out as part of the training. The virtual environment is modeled on the real workplace.
FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE: EYE TRACKING
During the tests, the 20 participants were divided into two groups. The first group (control group) had to carry out the work task without prior training. The second group (test group) received training with the VR application before carrying out the task.
The exciting thing about this setting was that a technology from the marketing sector was used: eye tracking. This involves using glasses to record the test subject's gaze. This approach makes it possible to see what the test person sees. Which areas does the person focus on? How is the workplace perceived? In what order are the instructions read? In addition, the quality and time required for the process were also recorded.
It was found that people with VR training were more confident during implementation compared to people without training. The tension of the trained persons during the process was also lower than that of the control group. In terms of time, both groups were roughly equally fast. In terms of quality, none of the test subjects were able to achieve the required standards.
Tracking the gaze of the test subjects showed that the trained subjects had a structured gaze path. The gaze path of the members of the control group, on the other hand, often jumped back and forth between different objects (instructions, workpiece). The participants in the control group showed a nervous search for instructions, while the test group searched for instructions in a structured manner and also found them.
CUSTOMIZED TRAINING MEASURES
“Learning procedures is a central and essential skill in today's dynamic world. It is important to be able to offer customized training measures. Digital technologies such as VR provide us with new approaches for this. At the same time, the effectiveness of the measures can be directly recorded and assessed using eye-tracking technology,” says Prof. (FH) Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Schmiedinger, PhD.
“The Lean Lab is an excellent research environment for investigating and directly learning different aspects of processes. Thanks to our broad-based team, we can consider different aspects - from process optimization to training strategies for different scenarios,” explains Prof. (FH) DI Dr. Martin Adam.