Virtual Reality (VR) in Occupational Training: Enhancing Training Performance and Overcoming Challenges in Forklift Driving

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technology has transformed occupational training, with virtual reality (VR) emerging as a promising tool, particularly for high-risk environments like forklift driving. VR enables immersive, hands-on learning in a safe, controlled setting, reducing real-world hazards. However, current VR-based occupational training often falls short in preparing novice operators for complex, real-world tasks requiring advanced skills. Additionally, cybersickness remains a critical barrier to broader adoption.

To address these challenges, our research pursued three interconnected goals. First, we aimed to enhance training effectiveness through real-time multimodal feedback in VR forklift-driving training. In the initial phase of our first study, we gathered expert strategies from 12 experienced forklift drivers and identified common errors among 20 novices. Based on these observations, we developed visual and haptic feedback methods. In the second phase, 15 novices completed training modules incorporating these feedback types. Haptic feedback significantly reduced training completion time compared to either visual or combined feedback (visual and haptic), but not significantly different from no feedback in the fork-pallet engagement module. Visual and combined feedback, however, increased completion times compared to providing no feedback. Haptic feedback also reduced perceived mental demands compared to visual or no feedback. Semi-structured interviews provided further user experience feedback and design considerations for future feedback systems.

During the first study, we observed high dropout rates due to cybersickness, especially among older adults and female participants. This led to our second study, which examined the impact of demographic factors, i.e., age and sex, on cybersickness susceptibility during VR-based forklift training. Using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and survival analysis on data from 20 participants, we found that older adults were universally more vulnerable to cybersickness, while sex showed no significant effect.

Our third study explored the role of head rotations and elevated height in cybersickness onset. We recruited 26 participants to perform controlled head rotations (pitch, yaw, and roll) from both ground level and elevated positions within a VR forklift driving environment. Subjective reports indicated that three-axis head rotations and elevated height significantly increased the risk of cybersickness.

Together, these findings inform the design of more effective and inclusive VR-based training systems for forklift driving. By integrating tailored feedback and accounting for demographic and movement-related factors, we can improve training outcomes while reducing cybersickness and enhancing accessibility for diverse users.