Comparison of Haptic Control Design for Virtual Reality-Based Assembly Task Training

摘要

Contemporary manual assembly tasks require fine motor skill and high-speed performance. There is a need for advanced training tools to optimize worker motor skill for such tasks. This study assessed learning effects of virtual reality (VR)-based training of motor skill with two types of haptic controls. Twenty-four participants trained in a simulation of a standardized psychomotor test (Block Design). Learning was evaluated using a physical form of the test and a LEGO® assembly task. The VR haptic controls included a stylus and a block-shaped interface resembling an element in the psychomotor test and a component in the assembly task. It was expected that the block-shaped control would more realistically represent movement constraints during the real assembly task. Comparison of test results prior to and following training revealed training with the block control to produce greater improvements in psychomotor test time and assembly task performance vs. use of the stylus control. Findings confirm that the type of control is an important component in an advanced VR-based training system for fine motor skill development. The present system could be extended for rehabilitation of motor skill in minor traumatic brain injury patients.