Clemson University Utilizes VR Simulations to Train for Electrical & Manufacturing Industries

South Carolina GSA Business recently covered the VR Simulation Training taking place at the Clemson University Center for Workforce Development. VR Oculus devices are providing electrical and manufacturing students the opportunity to safely practice new skills before entering more dangerous work scenarios. Sound familiar? My belief is that simulation will quickly become an integral part of all educational practices, from dealing with hot oil friers to office politics.

GSA Business Article Excerpt:

“No longer limited to video games, the simulations being developed at the Clemson University Center for Workforce Development are helping students across the country learn the skills that employers need in a modern manufacturing plant. One such simulation puts the user in a warehouse environment. The participant uses a keyboard or joystick to move around the virtual warehouse to identify safety violations. The virtual program gives feedback throughout the process.

The simulation gives a type of hands-on experience for the user without exposing them to the real hazards of a manufacturing setting.

Sabarish V. Babu, assistant professor in the School of Computing at Clemson, said: “Virtual simulations allow for interactive feedback. You receive instruction on how to actually use each instrument or program, then there’s an interactive, guided practice, with feedback as you’re performing the task.”

The virtual reality helps the student to safely practice their electrical testing skills while avoiding potential dangers that are present in the live labs, Isbell said. Once the students are comfortable with the virtual exercises they can then move to a live setting where an instructor can oversee the live work.

Dr. Anand Gramopadhye, dean of the College of Engineering and Science, said virtual reality is an innovative way to widen the pipeline that supplies the highly skilled workers the nation needs to be competitive.

“Manufacturing remains key to prosperity in our state and across the nation,” he said. “By teaching the skills needed in the next-generation workforce, our curriculum is helping shore up the middle class and putting families on the road to success.”

Read the full article on the GSA Business website!