Adaptation of Electrical Laboratory Systems through Augmented Reality for Optimization of Engineering Teaching University

Abstract

This paper introduces an Augmented Reality (AR) application for teaching practices of electrical engineering. In order to improve the autonomy of students and their self-ability we have developed several new practical AR-manuals for being used in the Electric Machines Laboratory. We have used these AR-manuals and the classic ones finding an improvement in learning and motivation of students. The augmented information consists of 3D models, animations and sounds which are superimposed over real objects helping the students in the training of specific tasks. The AR application and the learning environment have been designed based on the principles of interaction between man and machine so the virtual information is presented in an attractive way. Every user provided with a tablet PC or HMD with webcam will be able to visualize on screen the virtual objects added to the real scene. Only one mark has been included in the setting which allows visualization of the virtual information so just one gesture from the user is needed for changing the information. The interactive AR interface has been tested in the laboratory of electrical engineering at a Spanish university.