Evaluating skill acquisition and transfer in heavy machinery operation using a simulation-based approach
Abstract
The objectives of this thesis research were two-fold: (1) to evaluate performance and improvement of basic construction equipment operating skills acquired through a virtual training system, and (2) to analyze transfer of these skills between two slightly different control configurations. These objectives were achieved by conducting research on a Hydraulic Excavator Personal Simulator. This simulator features two different control configurations: the hydraulic excavator and the backhoe loader control configurations. The configurations differ in that functions assigned to a right joystick (e.g. stick) and those assigned to a left joystick (e.g. boom) for one configuration are switched for the other. Sixty participants were equally divided into four conditions which consisted of a practice and a transfer session. Two groups performed both transfer and practice sessions using the same control configuration (either the hydraulic excavator or the backhoe loader). The other two groups practiced with one control configuration (either the hydraulic excavator or the backhoe loader) and switched to the alternative control configuration (either the backhoe loader or the hydraulic excavator) to perform the transfer session. In each session, participants performed 50 trials in which they were to complete various simple tasks, such as raising the boom. The study showed that the simulator can be a valuable tool for learning basic construction equipment operating skills. Time to complete the task decreased across trials in the first session for both the hydraulic excavator and the backhoe loader control configurations, indicating skill acquisition and improvement in performance. Additionally, skill transfer was observed between the two different control configurations, with a cost of switching control configurations in the transfer session evident mainly in the first couple of trials. However, groups who practiced with the hydraulic excavator control configuration showed better transfer performance than those who practiced with the backhoe loader control configuration. Although the switch in control configuration mostly affected performance of the functions that switched hands, it had a small cost on performance of the other functions. The results provided sufficient evidence to conclude that the switch in control configuration affected transfer session performance in general, even though the costs were not large.
Degree
M.S.I.E.
Advisors
Duffy, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Industrial engineering
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