Skill training method aiming at empathy for body movements in the manufacturing industry

Abstract: This study explores a new approach to effectively learn manufacturing skills that involve physical movements. While automated welding machines and welding robots have been introduced in the welding field, manual welding is still widely used in many manufacturing processes. However, due to the intense arc light, it is difficult to directly observe the operator's posture and the operation of the electrode holder, which are critical for training purposes. In general, novices learn by observing expert welders and imitating their physical movements. However, novice welders struggle to control their bodies to assume the posture to be imitated, making it challenging to acquire the necessary skills. In welding, the primary training is the behavior of the covered electrode, which can be observed, but understanding how to control the body is difficult. As a result, the acquisition of welding skills does not improve, and motivation for training decreases.To address this problem, the researchers developed a method for structuring skill information by applying the factor analysis of quality engineering methods. In this method, the objective of welding skill acquisition is defined as "improvement of welding quality," and welding skills are structured as follows:(a) Direct factors: Information on the molten pool and arc that directly affect the weld quality(b) Indirect factors: Information on the operation of the welding electrode related to the direct factors(c) Somatic factors: Body part information that controls the manipulation of the welding electrode(d) Somatosensory factors: Somatosensory information that controls the body factors.Previous teaching methods focused on explaining the molten pool and arc conditions during welding, as well as the position and angle of the welding electrode, but provided little explanation of body part control for proper manipulation of the welding electrode. Consequently, novice welders were unable to predict the operation of the welding electrode and their body movements during the operation. This method of structuring skill information enables instructors to understand the necessary structure of skill information for training and provide adequate explanations to novice welders. The novice trainee can visualize, in advance, the state of the body parts required for the proper control of the welding rod and can train while being aware of those body parts. Consequently, the instructor and novice trainee can discuss based on the structured information and train while understanding each other's imagined information. This approach is expected to create a training environment that is satisfactory to the novice trainees and increase their motivation.

Keywords: Skill Training Method, Human Physical Movements, Empathy for Body Movements, Manual Welding, Shielded Arc Welding

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1003251

Cite this paper:

​