Using collaborative VR technology for Lean Manufacturing Training: a case study

Research on the application of virtual reality (VR) to training has shown VR environments could contribute to the acquisition of procedures with minimized risks, costs, and timing. In the field of Lean Manufacturing (LM), VR can improve decision making in factory layouts. However, in the field of training, no evidence yet existed that VR immersion could communicate LM concepts as well as physical immersion. This project aimed at comparing both the process of learning a procedure and the transfer of LM concepts, on manual workstations, with the same process in a VR environment. The results confirm VR is a time gaining, cost reducing, easily accessible tool to train operators on procedures before onsite training. They also show that for an optimal appreciation of assembly procedure issues in the VRLE, increasing interaction fidelity and improving physical simulation would give students a better appreciation of Equipment and Materials issues.