MIXED REALITY TECHNOLOGY: A VIRTUAL TRAINING TOOL IN FLUID POWER ENGINEERING

Fluid power systems can be expensive and difficult to access, making it challenging to provide hands-on training. This work discusses the incorporation of Mixed Reality (MR) technology in Fluid Power applications for providing a virtual training environment that simulates the behavior of fluid power systems, allowing users to receive immediate feedback on the system's performance. Mixed reality is a digitized-based technology that integrates a virtual environment with our real world by utilizing real- world sensor data and computer models. This technology allows running simulations that examine the complexity of highly-coupled systems, producing new digital environments where physical and digital elements can interact in real-time. With all these features, MR technology can be a practical training tool for running virtual simulations that mimic real-life industry settings. It can extend the user with a virtual training environment, thus preparing the next generation of fluid power engineers and specialists. Throughout this work, we present the development and capabilities of a digitized virtual copy of a hydraulic excavator's arm in an MR environment as a proof of concept. The MR arm module is developed and deployed using Microsoft's Mixed Reality Tool Kit (MRTK) for Unity through HoloLens 2 MR headset. The MR development involves generating virtual copies of the mechanical and hydraulic subsystems, conducting the virtual assembly, and creating a user interface in the MR environment to visualize and interact with the model. The developed MR module enables visualizing the excavator's internal structure, conducting the virtual assembly, and running virtual simulations, all of which assist in training future fluid power operators. It is an effective training tool that helps train junior engineers/technicians, cutting down on cost and time.