Now
that civilization has fully entered the 21st-century technology is still
rapidly changing. My 8-year old’s earliest technology memories are touch
enabled. Mine have dial controlled televisions and an Apple IIe. My university
purchase several heavy equipment simulators last year, 2016. We all had the
opportunity to try the new toys. I operated equipment that simulates the real work.
I virtually piled rocks with an large excavator without burning any diesel. An
opportunity to gain experience becoming familiar with the controls before using
real machines. It makes excellent sense to let students safely practice in an environmental
friendly way. As stated by the (Soldamatic, 2015) sales brochure. The welding school at the University put in an
order the first augmented reality welding simulators and we expected them soon.
There is no question that technology of this fashion can form an valuable part
of their training, especially if students are unfamiliar with welding. I was
involved in choosing which model of welding simulator would be purchased by the
university. I had the opportunity to use this technology during the process and
experience a virtual welding environment. The units are portable and set up
quickly. The VR/AR control unit and helmet are identical to a welding
power source and weldor's helmet. A special welding stand and jig are designed to
position the work piece so the welding student has an opportunity to make the
motions of moving a molten puddle in an virtual augmented environment. Students
create the hand eye coordination skills necessary to do the job of welding
before the shop time starts. Students can even do the welding theory studies
and testing online then blend the practical in during the day. This would
require lab style classrooms with augmented reality units networked together
for a whole class of students. The future looks like it will continue to change
current established processes further.
Soldamatic from Seabery. (2015) Augmented Training for Welding. www.soldamatic.com
Reede, E & Bailiff, L. (2016) When Virtual Reality Meets Education. Crunch Network. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/
References also in Resouce section:
Lucia M., Okimoto L. R., Okimoto P.C., Goldbach C.E. (2015). User
Experience in Augmented Reality applied to the Welding Education. Science
Direct. Curitiba BrazilSoldamatic from Seabery. (2015) Augmented Training for Welding. www.soldamatic.com
Reede, E & Bailiff, L. (2016) When Virtual Reality Meets Education. Crunch Network. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/