Abstract:

The landscape of industrial training has changed rapidly over the past decade due to technological innovations in Virtual Reality (VR). VR consists of a computer-generated 3D world in which users can immerse themselves by wearing a VR headset. VR training solutions allow organisations to provide immersive and interactive training at a fraction of the cost of traditional training methods.
This paper explores the process of developing a VR system that can train the skills required by farm machinery technicians and end users. Effective farm machinery training is essential to ensure the safety of end users. Vehicles and Machinery are the leading cause of farm accidents in Ireland, accounting for approximately 50% of all farm deaths over the past ten years (HSA, 2022). In VR, users can acquire safety skills in a risk-free immersive environment. VR training can also provide maintenance information to technicians. Currently, farm machine technicians train through documents and workshops. These traditional training methods are costly and require technicians from around the world to congregate in the same location. VR is a low-cost training solution that can be used anywhere in the world. This VR training system consists of eight training modules. Firstly, the system guides users through the safety information associated with a piece of farm machinery. The next module consists of training the user in all preparation and requirements for the machine. The third module trains users how to use the machine's control system. Then users are taught each component of the machine and how the machine functions. The last three modules teach users about the machine's wiring, sensors and solenoids. Technicians must then complete a final test module in which they are required to diagnose machine issues. Each of these modules utilises a multimodal training approach. Training information is delivered through videos, images, text, audio, 3D models and interactive simulation. Users must create an account and log in when they enter this training environment. These user accounts allow industry partners to track training progress by monitoring test results in each module. An instruction level is also provided that teaches first-time users how to use a VR controller and navigate the virtual environment. A significant reason to develop VR training is the possibility of shipping it to users globally. For this reason, the language options for this system are currently English, French, German and Polish.
Virtual Reality training systems offer the unique opportunity to train complex skills and vital information in an immersive and interactive virtual environment. This paper explores each stage of developing a VR training system. These stages consist of digital transformation, system architecture, and module development.

Keywords:

Virtual Reality, Digital Transformation, Agricultural Machinery.