An introductive training for welding workshop: A biometric evaluation using virtual reality scenes to improve practice

Abstract

Welding is one of the most used process in manufacturing industry. Training in this process demands a long period of time and involves several resources such as specific facilities, metal pieces, energy, electrodes, gases, etc. Evaluations requires those training conditions, which every day are needed in welding industry. At the same time, this includes the safety understandings that welding training implies. Considering these situations, this work proposes a Virtual and Augmented Reality cabin, for evaluation and training in welding process. The method used includes understandings of safety, knowledge of workshop elements, welding tools identification and practical exercises to test several welding skills. Testing was applied to an experimental group who trained using the virtual welding tool, allowing the study of cognitive effects caused by virtual training before any previous real practice; there was also was a control group which trained only with real practices. By using the biometrical device EPOC of Emotiv, concentration and stress in both groups while doing the first welding real practice was tested. Experimental group showed less stress and more concentration than control group.