Combining Virtual Reality with Mixed Reality for Efficient Training in Battery Manufacturing

Abstract

The manufacturing process of batteries can be complex and time-consuming. We introduce a new version of the digital twin of our lithium-ion battery pilot line, Simubat 4.0 Gen-2, based on a new combination of Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality. This digital twin is designed to deliver training on the lithium-ion battery manufacturing process and electrode properties. This tool aims to make users active learners, helping them visualize and understand complex concepts and meets a strong need for skilled labor linked to the blooming of battery gigafactory, in particular in our region. We report here a detailed study of the educational contribution of Simubat 4.0 Gen-2. This study was performed during two filmed training sessions: the first one with chemistry MSc. students, and the second one with AESC Gigafactory trainees. We used questionnaires to measure the usability and usefulness and at the same time, we studied the usage by analyzing errors and qualitatively assessing communications among the participants. Our study revealed that users had more knowledge after using our digital twin; the tool was evaluated as being efficient by the users and it has been proven to be suitable for training in battery manufacturing.