Human Resource Development for Undergraduate Students and Engineers Integrating Virtual Training and Practical Training

Abstract

In this paper, we implement a new style of manufacturing education on the basis of internships with local businesses as well as by using an interactive skills transfer and skill training system. Our system integrates virtual reality (VR) technology and information communications technology (ICT) which were developed at Saitama University. We have created an interactive technology and skills-sharing network linking the knowledge resources and technical resources of our university with the skill resources of local businesses. Our objective is for our students to learn the skills of the local businesses and their business needs and to be able to effectively acquire knowledge and skills for manufacturing. We report our findings from performing practical training that uses specialized knowledge acquired from lectures combined with VR technology with the objective to provide students with more thorough skills. Our undergraduate curriculum provides practical education that links experiments, practical training, and lectures, in mechanical engineering experiments, mechanical engineering seminars, mechanical engineering practical training, and internships.