Paper

The Robotics Academy: An Immersive Learning Game for Training Industrial Roboticists

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Abstract

Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, digital fabrication, spatial computing, and immersive media such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), are changing the employment landscape across a broad range of industries. It is anticipated that these technologies will enhance research and innovation, increase productivity, and spur new types of occupations and entrepreneurship. In the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) fields, automated building design with advanced software facilitating mass customization will change how buildings are designed. Robotics and automation, particularly in prefabrication and large-scale 3D printing of buildings is expected to change how buildings are built. Automation technology will also transform how work is managed and conducted in the AEC sector. Therefore, it is imperative to prepare students for future changes brought by automation.

The Robotics Academy project is a cloud-based training platform designed to support AEC students in learning industrial robotics. This platform uses advances in cloud computing, VR, and learning games to create a personalized and engaging experience for developing programming and robotics operations skills. The Robotics Academy's immersive learning environment aims to offer a solution for teaching robotics in a safe simulated workspace that delivers creative training while minimizing risk. This virtual modality also allows the students to acquire knowledge remotely and without relying on accessing a robotics lab.

This paper outlines the process of designing the Robotics Academy's pedagogical approach, its curriculum development, and its delivery method as a VR application. The paper will also describe plans for its future development as a fully customizable and immersive learning game for training students for future jobs in industrial robotics.

Keywords: Virtual Reality, Learning Game, Pedagogy, Robotics Education, Robotics Curriculum, Robotics Training, Automation.

How to Cite:

Vassigh, S., Peterson, E., Bogosian, B. & Tubella, J., (2021) “The Robotics Academy: An Immersive Learning Game for Training Industrial Roboticists”, Building Technology Educators’ Society 2021(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.7275/yax0-5z24