Virtual Reality als Trainingsmethode: Eine Laborstudie aus dem Industriebereich

Virtual reality (VR) is considered a promising technology because it can be used to convey complex contents. Since VR has a high potential for interactivity and immersion, the technology is also used in industry, for example for the realistic simulation of assembly and maintenance work. However, in this context there are hardly any scientific findings on the effectiveness of learning in VR environments. It is also unclear how learning can be improved in virtual environments. This article investigates if VR-supported training leads to an increase in learning success compared to classic training-on-the-job (accompanied by a tutor). Based on a VR training tool for learning assembly processes, a laboratory study was conducted with 24 participants. The results show that although VR-supported training was perceived as less strenuous, the learning success (measured with assembly time and error rate) was significantly better in traditional training-on-the-job. Based on these findings, the opportunities and risks of current VR training simulations are discussed and recommendations for action to increase the learning effect are formulated.