Universal Mobile Learning Hub

Training workers in hands-on tasks has typically required in-person trainers. However, the trainer’s location has been a serious limitation. Unless trainers live in close proximity to their students, arranging in-person trainings requires travel and added expense, and lacks flexibility. But since the Covid pandemic, investments in virtual and e-Learning have increased by 50%, while in-person training spend has been reduced by half. The market value of these trainings is estimated in the trillions of dollars. TNO and Fraunhofer joined forces to address an untapped market in remote learning: those that require the trainee to work with their hands, under the watchful eye of a qualified trainer.

The compact and portable Universal Mobile Learning Hub workstation is comprised of a standard work table equipped with microphones and strategically positioned cameras to allow for a full view of the work area. Workers seated at the table wear AR glasses, but do not require AR-related gloves. Through the glasses, trainees can see their work bench, as well as the hands of the trainer pointing to specific parts on the work bench. A trainer located elsewhere – even in another country – can observe every action the trainee takes, and guide them step-by-step through new processes. Trainers can choose to view the work in 2D, in an AR environment, or in an immersive VR environment.

Along with training for tasks like soldering, casting, and fiber splicing – whether on location at the manufacturer or at training centres – the Universal Mobile Learning Hub can also be used for ‘Train the Trainer’ sessions and at certification schools to make expert trainer support available to the broadest possible audience. Fraunhofer has already begun offering Universal Mobile Learning Hub remote trainings to their clients for a limited set of applications. TNO and Fraunhofer are now also exploring the possibility to apply the Universal Mobile Learning Hub to train on the repair and maintenance of large machines with custom functions. Alongside the physical technology, TNO and Fraunhofer offer services that include instruction on how to digitise physical trainings, support services, and consultancy on AR and VR technology.

Now that the capabilities and stability of the Universal Mobile Learning Hub have been validated, the project team is investigating its many potential applications to identify opportunities that achieve the biggest impact. Whether through a spin-off company, a licensing agreement, or other constructions, the Universal Mobile Learning Hub team aims to make this remarkable platform available to the market to accelerate and optimise learning opportunities, and remove the barriers to effective remote learning in this domain.

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