Abstract:

Robotics is a multidisciplinary science and involves a variety of topics ranging from mechanics to electronics, automation and informatics. Therefore, training in robotics is a difficult problem, especially in this pandemic period when the on-line educational process is used. The paper presents a solution for integrating 3D graphics and virtual reality into the educational activities for robotics education at the University of Craiova (B.S. program in Robotics Engineering).
Concerning the practical aspects related to laboratories and projects, the robotics teaching material can be classified as simulators, self-made robots, real robots, virtual and on-line robots. Due to the pandemic period we had to use more activities with simulators, virtual robotics and on-line robots. Virtual environments are widely used as an engineering training simulators. Virtual Reality (VR) is a powerful tool in supporting and facilitating learning and teaching processes. Related to this approach, in the last period a direction is dedicated to virtual reality based applications in robotics education.

Due to the era of digital information technologies, 3D modeling, computer graphics and virtual reality have become more and more important in the last years. These techniques were used by us for the development of virtual models of robots, mechatronic systems and flexible manufacturing systems.

In order to understand better how the manipulators and robots work, VR simulations of the manipulators and robots from laboratories were developed, such as ABB, KUKA, Mitsubishi industrial robots, mechatronics systems with electro-pneumatic actuation, mobile robots and flexible manufacturing system FMS-200 from SMC company. Also, we developed some simulators for robotic/mechatronic systems where students have to write the programmable logic controllers programs in order to control those systems.

We participated in both activities: designing and creating VR applications for robotics, and using VR applications for robotics in order for the students to understand robotics theory (kinematics, dynamics, control etc.). The students have the opportunity to work in a virtual world, to solve the requested problems. The students’ activities are described in the paper.

In the paper we tried to analyze the impact of introducing virtual reality simulators as learning tools in the training process for students and we compared the results of the virtual training process with the results of the face-to-face training approach previously done.

The VR has attractiveness for the students, as shown by their feedback. It was interesting that the students wanted to know the flow of the VR simulation development process. VR gives students a better understanding of the theory, design and functionality of the robots. Most students remembered what they saw in VR and concluded that VR is a more memorable environment than laboratory-based demonstrations.

As a generic conclusion, VR offers good potential for presenting theory and practical experiments in an interesting and economical way. Virtual Reality benefits are more than evident, especially in the context in which the Covid-19 pandemic forced students to stay home, so the developed virtual applications are very useful. Also, the experiments with virtual reality simulations eliminate the safety issues associated with real robot operations.

Keywords:

Virtual reality, 3D graphics, robotics, learning technologies, teaching environment.