Performance-Driven VR Learning for Robotics

Abstract

The building industry is facing environmental, technological, and economic challenges, placing significant pressure on preparing the workforce for Industry 4.0 needs. The fields of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) are being reshaped by robotics technologies which demand new skills and creating disruptive change to job markets. Addressing the learning needs of AEC students, professionals, and industry workers is critical to ensuring the competitiveness of the future workforce. In recent years advancements in Information Technology, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have led to new research and theories on virtual learning environments. In the AEC fields researchers are beginning to rethink current robotics training to counteract costly and resource-intensive in-person learning. However, much of this work has been focused on simulation physics and has yet to adequately address how to engage AEC learners with different learning abilities, styles, and diverse backgrounds. This paper presents the advantages and difficulties associated with using new technologies to develop virtual reality (VR) learning games for robotics. It describes an ongoing project for creating performance driven curriculum. Drawing on the Constructivist Learning Theory, the affordances of Adaptive Learning Systems, and data collection methods from the VR game environment, the project provides a customized and performance-oriented approach to carrying out practical robotics tasks in real-world scenarios.