Virtual Coaching Agent for Team Training

Abstract : This effort focused on investigating the design and evaluation of an interactive software model to support technical training, as well as for use as an on-the-job task aide. The overarching goals of this research project were to: 1) Utilize motion capture technology to capture the instructional experience of a course instructor for use in the development of a virtual training environment; 2) Provide a mechanism for storing, archiving and efficiently accessing course materials, simulations, Technical Orders (T.O.), multimedia materials, and instructional expertise; 3) Utilize human model avatars as coaches, communicators (instructor surrogates), or simulated maintainers to instruct and illustrate correct and incorrect procedures and practices - especially cautions and warnings; 4) Demonstrate and evaluate a software-based, team training environment for 24/7 instructional access, task preparation, individual practice, and team coordination as an adjunct to hardware trainers and hands-on experience.

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