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VR (Virtual Reality) is a technology that has been around for a few decades, but it has only recently become popular with the release of devices such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. These devices allow users to enter into a virtual world and experience it as if they were really there. While this does not intrinsically sound like technology suited to the manufacturing sector, VR controlled robots are making waves in the industry, able to change workflows, improve safety & efficiency, and educate workers in the manufacturing field.

While VR has been used mainly for entertainment purposes so far, the technology's potential goes far beyond that. Perhaps some of the most interesting uses of VR is found in its emerging application as a way to control robots or work alongside them. 

How Do VR Controlled Robots Work?

There are a few different ways that VR can be used to control robots. One method is to use an avatar, or virtual representation, of the user in the form of a digital character. This avatar can be used to control the robot directly, or it can be used to provide instructions to the robot indirectly.

Another way to use VR controlled robots is by using hand tracking technology. This allows users to control robotic arms or other devices by simply moving their hands in the air. The movement of the hands is tracked by sensors and then replicated by the robot in real-time.

VR can also be used to teach robots new behaviors in a manufacturing setting.  For example, if a worker needs to assemble a car door, they can put on a VR headset and be transported into a virtual environment where they can practice the task. The robot would then learn by observing the human's movements and replicating them.

What Are The Benefits of VR Controlled Robots?

There are many potential benefits to using VR to control robots. One benefit is that it could allow humans to work in environments that are too dangerous for them to enter directly. For example, if there was a hazardous leak in a nuclear power plant, a team of workers could put on VR headsets and remotely control robots to fix the problem without putting themselves at risk. For industries that are rife with potential danger, VR controlled robots can be used to entirely remove human risk from the equation.

Also,  VR controlled robots could be used to carry out tasks that are too difficult or delicate for humans. For example, if a surgeon needed to operate on a patient's heart, they could put on a VR headset and use hand tracking to control robotic arms to do the surgery. This would allow the surgeon to have much greater precision than they would if they were doing the surgery by hand.

In addition, VR controlled robots could work 24 hours a day without getting tired. This would be beneficial in many industries, such as manufacturing, where machines need to operate for long periods of time.

Can VR Be Used to Learn About Robots?

Yes, VR can be used to learn about robots. In fact, the ARM Institute is working with a few partners to make a VR assessment or robotics skills a reality.

The ARM Institute Robotics Technician Virtual Reality training program uses virtual reality to teach students the foundational skills of working with robotics in a manufacturing setting. 

VR makes upskilling current manufacturing technicians, along with future technicians, for robotics and automation accessible and effective. By simulating real world robotics environments, we’ll be able to teach hands-on robotics skills to the future generation of robotics technicians!

Interested in the Future of VR Controlled Robots & Robotics? Be a Part of It!

If the idea of controlling robots with VR is exciting to you, then maybe you should look into working with robots as a career.

There's never been a better time than now to start a career in robotics. The demand for skilled workers is higher than ever, as the manufacturing industry adopts robots and automation solutions at an increasing rate.

You can start as a robotics technician with a two-year degree or a trade school certification. Also, entry-level salaries are on average over $50,000 a year.

So what are you waiting for? Head to www.roboticscareer.org and use the search tool to find a vetted robotics program near you!