Title: AUGMENTED REALITY AS A TRAINING TOOL FOR COMPOSITE MATERIALS MANUFACTURING

Authors: C. Vasquez, A. Stovall, K. Gonsoulin, G. Palardy

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.23.0002

Abstract: Augmented reality (AR) is a promising technology to develop educational and training tools for students and workforce development. Common composites manufacturing methods, such as hand layup and vacuum bagging, can be tedious and time-consuming to teach, especially in academic settings. Consequently, the main goal of this work was to design and develop an AR training system, integrated with a research lab workstation for composite hand layup. Utilizing a HoloLens 2 headset, it guides a user through the manufacturing process while remaining hands-free and featuring remote experiential capabilities. It includes four main steps, from fabric cutting to laminate layup and vacuum bagging. Each step features mixed reality elements, such as detailed instructions with technical definitions and material safety data sheets, gaze-activated videos, movable holograms, and expandable CAD layup models with labels. An adaptable lighting system was integrated into the workstation to provide real-world, visual feedback and updates during the manufacturing process. The AR system was tested for efficacy through performance profilers and user testing. Positive feedback was received most notably for educational benefits and clarity, with room for improvement regarding comfort (respective average ratings of 95%, 75%, and 62.5%). Further improvements and research include edge detection to assist with ply positioning.

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Conference: SAMPE 2023

Publication Date: 2023/04/17

SKU: TP23-0000000002

Pages: 16

Price: $32.00