This is a recording from WS in the National Hub for Digital Twins in collaboration with DTSC 20240531. The theme is "Learning in 3D", where Sweta Lyer, Researcher from the University of Borås presents.

AI Summary of Sweta Lyer's presentation.

Sweta Lyer discussed her project, Digi Smart Tech, conducted for Erasmus with partners from the Netherlands and Estonia. The project, based at the University of Borås, aims to develop a digital training tool using virtual reality (VR) for digital printing of inks on smart and functional textiles.

In their Textile Technology Department, they focus on sustainable techniques like digital printing, supercritical CO2 dyeing, and 3D printing. The digital printing technique was chosen for its relevance to smart textiles, and the need for a VR training tool arises because the digital print heads used in this process are expensive (costing 1 to 1.5 million euros). Any mishandling or inaccurate ink formulations could lead to significant financial losses.

The VR tool, developed in collaboration with Lund University and utilizing Oculus Quest 2, is intended to provide practical training without risking costly equipment. The tool consists of three steps:
1. Formulating ink using a pipette to mix ingredients.
2. Testing the ink’s particle size with an instrument for quality analysis.
3. Observing whether the ink formulation is suitable for use in the print head.

Preliminary studies show that students found the VR training educational and enjoyable. It was particularly beneficial as a supplementary tool to traditional hands-on lab sessions, not a replacement. The initial results from pedagogical studies, conducted with the help of the University of Borås' pedagogic group, suggest that students quickly adapted to and grasped the VR system, finding it a valuable learning experience. The project aims to expand and potentially secure more funding to develop a more comprehensive VR training system applicable both in education and industry settings.

Sweta concluded by acknowledging the project's potential to innovate training methods for digital printing techniques, offering valuable hands-on experience to both students and industry professionals.