Training for Shielded Metal Arc Welding in Virtual Reality

A virtual-reality-based welding training method for workers in the industry is proposed in this paper. The structural integrity and safety of welds and welded items can only be guaranteed through technical skills. Furthermore, the work of professionally trained individuals in various industrial sectors is necessary due to workplace safety rules in the context of Industry 5.0. Although effective, the traditional welding training methods can be costly, time-consuming, and expose operators and apprentices to a range of hazards, including smoke, heat, and UV radiation. Teaching welding with Virtual Reality (VR) is an alternative tool that offers immersive, repeatable, and modular practice environments that efficiently use resources and time. The purpose of this work is to develop SMAW welding training software that can replicate realistic scenarios in a simulated environment using VR. To evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the software, a pair of reputable instruments were utilized: the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) to gauge cognitive load and the System Usability Scale (SUS) to evaluate perceived usability. Results were favorable, yielding 47.10 points for NASA-TLX and 85.38 points for SUS. Moreover, the questionnaires concerning the experience of participants with virtual reality welding were crucial to the research using 68 students. VR software can be a viable alternative to conventional training methods, as indicated by the results of tests conducted with the participants. In this regard, the software is highly usable and practical, which reinforces its potential for use in teaching students and training programs for staff in industry before traditional welding training. In this sense, the proposed method as a training tool prepares staff for SMAW operations.