The use of virtual reality as e-training tool for dies’ changeover in stamping presses: a case study on automotive industry

Purpose This study aims to research the usage of virtual reality as a tool to train employees in a changeover process in a company, and if it guarantees the same level of quality. Moreover, another goal is to understand how it can influence the machines’ availability, reducing the number of hours a machine is stopped to perform training sessions. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the goals proposed, the action research strategy was used. After defining the context and purpose, two full cycles were applied, composed by five activities: diagnosis, action planning, action taking, action evaluation and specify the learning. Findings The results are extremely satisfactory. On the one hand, it can be concluded that virtual reality is a reliable training tool, guaranteeing proper training to the employees. On the other hand, based on the previous point, the researchers were able to conclude that it is possible to increase machines’ availability, reducing by 50% the time needed to have the machines stopped to run a changeover training. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to use the action research strategy to develop a virtual reality simulation as a training tool for machines’ changeover in the automotive industry.