Elms, Stephen; (2024) Immersive Training Solutions: The Potential Role of XR for Safety and Skill Development in Offsite Construction. Presented at: Transforming Construction with Offsite Methods and Technologies, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.

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Abstract

Extended Reality (XR) technology, which includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), offers transformative potential for vocational education and training (VET) across various industries. This study examines the application of XR in VET, focusing on its potential to address the unique training needs of the offsite construction industry. Offsite construction involves the prefabrication of building components in controlled factory environments, necessitating specific skills that traditional training methods may not fully address. The use of XR in VET can simulate real-world scenarios in a risk-free environment, making it a valuable tool for enhancing safety training, heavy machinery operation, and spatial awareness. Studies show that XR applications in safety training prepare workers for hazardous situations without actual risk, while virtual and augmented simulations of machinery operation provide hands-on experience in a controlled setting. XR also enhances spatial awareness, a critical skill in construction, by helping trainees understand spatial relationships and dimensions. Applying these parallel findings to offsite construction may reveal several unique benefits of XR, including improved safety through immersive simulations, enhanced skill acquisition through hands-on experiences, and cost-effective training solutions that reduce the need for physical resources. However, challenges such as high initial setup costs, resistance to new technology, and the need for ongoing updates to XR modules must be addressed. XR can simulate the assembly of modular components and integrate digital design with physical construction processes, making it highly relevant for offsite construction training. Integrating XR into offsite construction training programs offers significant potential. A phased approach, starting with pilot programs, can assess the effectiveness of XR training and expand as specific skills are identified and developed. Collaboration between industry stakeholders and VET providers is crucial for creating tailored XR training solutions that meet the unique needs of the offsite construction workforce. In summary, XR technology can bridge the skills gap in offsite construction by providing immersive, hands-on training that enhances safety and skill acquisition. This study highlights the importance of further research to identify specific skills required in offsite construction and suggests a collaborative approach to developing effective XR training programs. By leveraging XR, the construction industry can prepare a competent, safety-conscious workforce for the future.

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