A mixed reality-based emotional interactions and communications for manufacturing skills training

Abstract

In recent years, Japanese manufacturing industry has entered a very competitive era due to globalization and to the concept of manufacturing the right thing at the right place. At the same time, manufacturing in Japan is changing from a conventional mass production and perpendicular work division system to a high-precision, small-lot, multi-variety manufacturing system. In addition to this, the need and opportunity for face-to-face contact between colleagues has been drastically reduced as a result of factory and office automation. This means that human functions that are a result of human contact and relationships are being replaced by automated systems. This transfer of relations from human to machine systems causes individuals to be isolated in the process of their work. Therefore, appropriate staff-training programs with communications based on a long-term viewpoint are needed to create and transfer the skill/technology. However, due to the financial, manpower, and time constraints caused by the present tough economic conditions, it is difficult for small and medium-sized industries to organize good training programs. In reality, more than half of small and medium-sized industries implement on-the-job training, video libraries, technical documents, and the like in their training programs. Nevertheless, these time-consuming and inefficient methods do not make it easy to obtain the high-level skill necessary to be a skilled technician. This chapter considers some reasons for difficulties in skills transfer and human resource development, and addresses a new mixed reality-based job training and human resource development for skilled foundry workers. This chapter also looks at tacit knowledge, coherence in knowledge, and action in manufacturing. © 2011 Springer-Verlag London Limited.