Cognitive task analysis for virtual reality training: the case of CNC tool offsetting

Motivation -- To examine if cognitive task analysis of expert machinists can be effective in developing a virtual reality based training system for CNC tool offsetting. Research approach -- A cognitive task analysis of expert machinists was conducted which informed the development of a VR training system for CNC tool offsetting. Subsequently the effectiveness of the analysis was evaluated by conducting an experiment with 31 mechanical engineering students. Findings/Design -- The virtual reality system demonstrated positive training transfer for the task of tool offsetting. The above indicates that the cognitive task analysis performed was effective in identifying a number of key skills of the tool offsetting task. Research limitations/Implications -- The study does not prove the superiority of cognitive task analysis over other approaches for specifying virtual reality training systems, since it does not compare the cognitively tuned system with another one. Originality/Value -- The present work provides evidence that skill transfer can be achieved even with low physical fidelity provided that the cognitive organization of a task is adequately mapped in the virtual reality system. Take away message -- Further and beyond fidelity issues, cognitive task analysis can provide important input in specifying effective VR training systems.