KoRA – Competence development for design of human-robot collaboration using a mixed reality-based teaching-learning concept

In the KoRA project, a teaching-learning concept is designed to develop and promote competencies in field of collaborative robotics and design of human-robot collaboration in vocational education and training. This is implemented with a mixed reality learning software in which complex assembly problems are solved in form of learning and work tasks. In the context of development, necessary haptic feedback for the target groups is being investigated in parallel. Through transfer into virtual reality, work process can be experienced and designed detached from the real operational process. Thus, project-based and action-oriented learning is possible.

In the course of increasing automation and individualization of products, so-called collaborative robots (cobots) are playing an ever-increasing role, which can strengthen competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany in particular. Previous industrial robots are not profitable from an economic point of view due to high acquisition costs with a tendency toward small batch sizes and a high number of product variants. In contrast, collaborative robots can be used more flexibly and thus offer the possibility of automating work processes or steps to a greater extent economically.

The KoRA project aims at preparing employees for changes in the range of tasks and activities resulting from use of collaborative robots, using assembly technology as an example, and to develop necessary skills. Three central requirement areas will be addressed. The first area relates to recognition and avoidance of hazards in collaboration with collaborative robots. The second area involves design of human-machine interaction. The third area is the recognition of optimization potential in assembly process. However, learning in real work environment is usually not possible, as this would have to disrupt or even stop the regular process flow, and improper operation can cause high costs or lead to dangerous situations. This is why outsourcing to a virtual reality makes sense. For this reason, mixed reality learning software is being developed, which enables solution of complex assembly problems in the form of learning and work tasks in a realistic virtual environment.
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