In the dynamic landscape of technological evolution, Extended Reality (XR) emerges as a transformative force, propelling societal growth and empowerment. With its immersive capabilities, XR holds the promise of augmenting human intelligence, revolutionizing traditional learning. Now, as S&P Global Ratings forecasts India to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, the imperative is clear — position the nation at the forefront of global technological innovation for societal good.
India’s trajectory as a global manufacturing hub hinges on unlocking the full potential of its labor force. S&P Global Ratings emphasizes that this achievement is intricately linked to enhancing worker skills and increasing female workforce participation. In this pivotal moment, XR technology stands as the key to preparing for the future. Immersive learning ecosystems are reshaping industries, erasing geographical boundaries, and providing remote access to training content while fostering collaboration among learners. It’s time for India to harness the power of XR and stand tall among the key players in this transformative realm.
To give a glimpse of how XR can augment skilling needs at scale, AjnaLens has partnered with Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across multiple states to empower thousands of students by leveraging XR technology, training over 62,000 individuals in industrial painting and welding across 500+ ITIs. These skill sets are time-consuming to impart and expensive to conduct. In welding, for instance, students face challenges due to the absence of varied equipment such as TIG, MIG and stick welding torches, scarcity of consumables, limited opportunities for repetitive practice, lack of Personal Protective Equipment, continuous exposure to harmful fumes and gases, and the absence of formal analytics and tracking.
Similarly, in industrial painting, the inadequacy of diverse spray equipment, materials, practice opportunities, safety measures against paint toxicity and the absence of formal analytics pose significant hurdles. Yet, ironically, these skill sets will be high in demand as India’s manufacturing expands rapidly.
Phygital
To bridge this gap, there has been the development of a VR-based training experience for welding and spray painting. Innovative phygital (Physical + Digital) training methodology allows individuals to learn using real-life welding and spray-painting tools in a digitally created environment. This pioneering approach not only amplifies safety standards but also enhances efficiency within the set criteria for mastering these vital skills.
The applicability extends beyond traditional sectors. Through strategic initiatives in defense and military operations, one can contribute to enhancing training methodologies and preparedness. XR technology’s influence reaches far and wide, evident in its profound impact on industries like mining and assembly line operations.
Within the mining industry, where safety is paramount, XR innovation has been transformative. Adherence to safety precautions in mining processes, from wearing protective gear to carrying oxygen kits, is meticulous. However, the challenges of working several kilometers underground, including low oxygen levels and the presence of various gases, pose risks to cognitive function. This gave birth to a mining simulator—a digital replica that significantly enhances safety and efficiency in underground mining operations.
VR glasses immerse individuals in a virtual environment, allowing them to experience operating a jumbo drill machine while seated. This VR-based training platform serves as a secure space for skill development, eliminating risks associated with traditional training methods. The result? A staggering 60% reduction in monthly accidents and an astounding 80% acceleration in the training process.
In the realm of assembly line operations, XR technology has been equally transformative. An innovative VR-powered solution coupled with haptic gloves has been used for the training of 600 assembly line workers in two-wheeler assembly.
The combination of VR technology and haptic gloves brought unparalleled precision to training sessions, surpassing traditional methods. With these gloves, workers mastered 34 intricate processes — from component handling to maintaining accuracy in time, sequence, and quality. This not only slashed training costs but also achieved remarkable precision improvements, marking a significant advancement in skill development. These innovative approaches to training methodologies have yielded significant and tangible results, bringing about a transformative shift in various aspects of skill development and training.
Lower Training Cost
One of the industry’s most significant outcomes has been the substantial cost savings in training. Pioneering efforts have led to optimized training costs, efficiently utilizing resources while delivering top-tier training experiences. The introduction of gamified learning techniques has revolutionized engagement and interaction among learners on a global scale. This innovative approach enhances the learning experience, fostering interactivity and enjoyment, consequently amplifying participation and knowledge absorption across various domains.
There has been a notable increase in knowledge retention attributed to innovative training methods within the industry. Seamless integration of technology has empowered learners to retain information more effectively, ensuring that training translates into enduring knowledge over the long term, marking a significant advancement in learning methodologies.
Another impactful outcome lies in the development of muscle memory to augment skill acquisition. Innovative training methodologies facilitate the establishment of muscle memory, enabling learners to acquire and refine skills more effectively. This contributes substantially to overall skill enhancement within the industry.
Furthermore, the approach has successfully reduced the duration of training sessions. Through process optimization, one can achieve equal or higher levels of proficiency within a shorter time frame, maximizing efficiency without compromising quality standards.
These significant advancements underscore the industry’s dedication to expanding the frontiers of innovation, utilizing technology as a catalyst for creating safer and more precise work environments.
