PDEng position: Context-realistic VR training simulators at University of Twente

Construction industry has a growing need for vocationally trained operators who not only possess traditional domain knowledge and skills, but are also able to oversee variation, uncertainty and risks in their daily jobs. Virtual Reality (VR) technology can bring realistic working situations to the classroom, helping students to experience the full complexity of work situations and train their situational awareness. However, often scenarios are not very realistic in terms of reflecting the dynamics of the actual construction site. In order to create realistic circumstances and scenarios that also reflect uncertainty, the aim of this project is to use sensed data (images or sensors) to reconstruct the actual construction operation in the VR environment. Based on the data collected from various types of operations, different virtual training scenarios will be developed. Tasks and objectives are the same across scenarios, but conditions will vary. The VR environment should also support video playback that can be used for debriefing sessions.

The development of this has an exploratory-design character and therefore it fits in the scope of the PDEng ASPARi programme.

CHALLENGES

The main challenges in the project include:

Understanding the mindset of teachers and students in order to identify the types of uncertainties that need to be reflected in the VR. This challenge is mainly handled by project members from Educational Science and Technology.
Developing a solution to capture these uncertainties from actual construction operations in VR.
Translating the sensed data into VR training scenarios.
Piloting an educational programme based on the developed scenarios (in collaboration with teachers and students), including usability studies.
PROJECT TEAM

The project is planned in such a way that practical and usable interim results will be provided. With an eye on wide acceptance and application, other independent parties will become part of the steering group of the project, including representatives from education (including teachers and school leaders), science (Educational Science and Technology and Construction Management & Engineering), industry and the ASPARi (Asphalt Paving Research and innovation) network, and various schools for vocational education. The academic guidance will take place by the faculties of Engineering Technology (dr. ir. Faridaddin Vahdatikhaki) and Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (dr. Bas Kollöffel).

Further details:
PDEng position: Context-realistic VR training simulators at University of Twente