Abstract:

The rapid adoption of extended reality (XR) in many educational and professional practices has resulted in several sophisticated use-cases to learn from. Most of the case-based learning scenarios provide unique in-depth insight and often in a new format for the user to experience. A major concern in the development and production of these environments is to combine cost-efficiency for the user, outlining ROI estimates that can mirror the value and benefit from developing the virtual scenario in the first place. Navigating this challenge proves especially formidable for both industrial practices and universities, where the imperative of immediate benefits and scalable potential takes precedence, enabling participants to learn and progress through immersive XR experiences. This paper explores XR proficiency, its core components and how this can be enhanced through case-based learning. With use of an authentic XR case, developed by an XR producer, and for learning purposes shared and discussed at a master level course in Advanced Product Development. The paper provides insights from a case overview about the design, first-hand experimental testing, and workshop feedback, together with a handful of interviews with both the lead designer, the case company X employees, and students. Case background reveals how the case company X, labeled as company X for disclosure reasons, has moved closer to Industry 4.0, requiring full traceability within production and all manufactured products. The goal of implementing XR is to create a digital twin for all products company X produces, as well as the machines responsible for manufacturing them. The main driver by company X is to embed XR to their operations to make complex data accessible to operators, enhancing their ability to assimilate information for diagnostic and predictive troubleshooting purposes. Since first engaged with XR, Company X have initiated a transition from reactive process control to a more predictive approach throughout the product's entire lifecycle. This shift results in more precise tolerances, reduced lead times, increased machine utilization, lower energy consumption, and decreased maintenance costs. Consequently, the XR solution delivers added value to various stakeholders, employees and customers on multiple fronts. The paper explores what aspects that are relevant to inspire minimizing the threshold for student application and testing. By visualizing data the case overview presents the opportunity to identify and prevent overproduction, unnecessary energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions early in the process, while also supporting the recycling process. Through mobile visualization, including AR and Hololens technologies, daily, monthly, and annual energy and CO₂ usage is displayed at both the machine and product levels. From the case-based learning scenarios, operations and reflections show that delivery value deviates between stakeholders, benefit and practical use does not necessarily motivate deep dive experimental learning unless the strategy is aligned with steps taken. In summary, how XR proficiency is promoted is one fundamental key which will also be discussed and shared based on case presentation, student feedback and professionals’ reflections.

Keywords:

Extended reality, XR, industry 4.0, use-case, professional learning, case-based learning.