Virtual Reality training system for trainees in the chemical industry

In the in the chemical industry, skilled workers and trainees are facing major challenges as in almost every industrial sector. Jobs are changing in the context of digitalisation. Tasks are becoming more complex and safety regulations are changing. The necessary training and further education of chemical workers includes practical processes that have to be taught in technical facilities. This procedure is cost-intensive and ties up resources. Furthermore, trainees are exposed to risks when operating machines without a sufficient level of experience. Therefore, new training concepts can bring about advantages. A German startup has developed a virtual reality (VR) training application, which can reproduce most of the processes of vocational training in the chemical industry and complement traditional, place-based training methods. Trainees are equipped with a VR headset, goggles and hand controllers and can actively simulate different situations they would also face in a real environment, for example the filling, heating and emptying of stirred tanks in a production site. The blended learning approach imparts content that cannot be mapped by conventional practical training. The software adapts to individual levels of prior knowledge and addresses individual learning goals. Just like in a real plant, the trainees can move around and interact with almost all parts of the machines. In addition, they can also look into the machines to get an understanding of their internal functioning and individual parts such as pipes and pumps. Most of the training is self-explanatory, allowing trainees to learn and gain virtual hands-on experience independently at their own pace in a variety of didactic modes. An avatar automatically detects individual learning patterns and mistakes and provides adaptive content by using artificial intelligence. While practicing, users are guided via visual, haptic and acoustic feedback. The German company has designed and developed this training environment in close cooperation with major players from the chemical industry and a big German supplier of didactic material and education media. Through the support of these partners, the startup was able to develop a learning experience that includes all relevant aspects of a successful apprenticeship: Both application and transfer of theoretical knowledge as well as in-depth understanding of the content. The transfer from theory to practice is simplified and VR can replace parts of the expensive classroom phases and also minimises the risk of injury. Through immersion and gamification elements, VR can achieve high motivation in a safe learning environment, maximise learning success and save costs at the same time. Unlike in a real facility, where only a limited number of trainees can operate a machine during the training session, the VR solutions allows for an unlimited number of trainees to undergo training at the same time independent of time and place. Also the VR method reduces the need for teaching staff that is needed for conventional training of young professionals. Languages offered up to now are English and German, additional languages are possible. IT companies, especially specialised on education and vocational training, are sought for licence agreements. Ideally, they have a network of potential customers in the chemical sector and enough technical experience to carry out the necessary steps for the integration of the training tool in existing training schemes in the form of blended learning concepts. Chemical companies that want to integrate VR elements in their vocational training are sought for commercial agreements with technical assistance. The necessary technical know-how for the integration of the system will be provided by the German company. The company is also open for joint research projects or technical cooperation projects to adapt the solution to user-specific needs and other industrial sectors.