Using technology to overcome challenges“covid-19 has seriously affected our business, as in-person, hands-on training at our institute has not been possible since last April,” said Boynton. “That is why we have been concentrating on the development of our augmented
reality courses.”
The first of these courses took place in December 2020, when an ict (Information on Composite Technologies) course was presented to Transport Canada employees. “That course does not involve hands-on work. It involves materials, processes, inspection, non-destructive testing; it is an overview of all the applicable technologies for aviation composites,” explained Boynton.
These live and interactive courses are made possible with the use of Microsoft’s HoloLens 2, which makes the experience much more valuable than a simple live video feed. “When I’m wearing the HoloLens, the experience is completely interactive with online students.” Essentially, students see the environment from Boynton’s perspective and can ask questions or request that he point at or pick up components. He continued, “I can immediately split between a Powerpoint presentation or slide deck and then immediately back to having them see what I see. Then I can also load holographic images in mid-air.” These holographic images of aircraft or components can be rotated or ‘exploded’ to show substructures or layers. Instructing with a HoloLens certainly makes teaching more versatile. “I can use my cellphone as a hotspot and walk right onto the ramp and right up to an aircraft’s engine, or I can walk into a workshop and do anything in any location.” There is now real limit to how many students can attend a course simultaneously, but due to its interactive nature, act limits class sizes to about twenty students. With students from any location around the world, courses are scheduled at any time of day or night. At the end of our interview, Boynton used the HoloLens to give me a tour of act’s well-equipped facilities, which include a special room where virtual reality can be used for specialized technical training.
When it comes to composite technologies, ongoing training is essential. “Our company motto is ‘helping you stay ahead of the leading edge,’ and that’s a message to all technicians and engineers.” Boynton added, “Composites technologies are changing so rapidly, that focussed professional training is the only way to keep up with the skills needed today and for the very near future.”
For further information:
www.advancedcompositestraining.ca