No abstract

This article reports on the development and evaluation of a virtual reality training system (VRTS) for a specific machining task. A cognitive task analysis of expert machinists was conducted to examine whether this can be effective in developing a VRTS concerning tool length offsetting for a machining center. This analysis provided the necessary information for development and calibration of such a system. Subsequently, the effectiveness of the VRTS was evaluated by conducting an experiment with 29 mechanical engineering students. The VRTS set‐up comprised a video projection of the machining center and a physical mock‐up of its interface. The system demonstrated positive training transfer for the toll length offsetting task in terms of task accomplishment and of time to complete the task. No positive transfer was observed in terms of task accuracy, probably due to perceptual biases induced by the detailed specification of the VRTS. The present work provides evidence that cognitive task analysis was effective in identifying a number of key skills pertaining to the tool length offsetting task and in implementing ways to facilitate training in such tasks in a virtual environment. This article also demonstrates that even for tasks that include subtle perceptual skills VRTS may be beneficial regardless of the level of physical fidelity, provided that the cognitive organization of a task is adequately mapped in the system.

Motivation -To examine if cognitive task analysis of expert machinists can be effective in developing a virtual reality based training system for CNC tool offsetting.Research approach -A cognitive task analysis of expert machinists was conducted which informed the development of a VR training system for CNC tool offsetting. Subsequently the effectiveness of the analysis was evaluated by conducting an experiment with 31 mechanical engineering students.Findings/Design -The virtual reality system demonstrated positive training transfer for the task of tool offsetting. The above indicates that the cognitive task analysis performed was effective in identifying a number of key skills of the tool offsetting task.Research limitations/Implications -The study does not prove the superiority of cognitive task analysis over other approaches for specifying virtual reality training systems, since it does not compare the cognitively tuned system with another one.Originality/Value -The present work provides evidence that skill transfer can be achieved even with low physical fidelity provided that the cognitive organization of a task is adequately mapped in the virtual reality system. Take away message -Further and beyond fidelity issues, cognitive task analysis can provide important input in specifying effective VR training systems.

No abstract