Traditional lab education versus proposed approach
Traditionally, the bulk of materials testing training has been carried out in a hands-on manner in laboratories and machine shops. Typically the number of students reached is small due to both the time required for training as well as safety requirements, limiting the utilization of capital intensive equipment. Furthermore, given the requirements of advanced manufacturing, the hands on training needs to be supplemented with extensive classroom teaching to help students understand the mechanisms and causes for the materials science phenomena.
VLab is a software product for efficient creation of innovative content for use on a range of VR and AR devices. Specifically, VLab supports creation of equipment focused content and analytics. We are applying VLab to create innovative content for use in materials testing courses at one of the largest US university, in collaboration with an industry leading equipment manufacturer. By judiciously combining virtual objects with hands on activities, we aim to dissolve the boundary between classroom education and hands-on training, providing an effective and seamless educational experience for materials testing and manufacturing training.