Virtual Reality (VR)-Based Training in Human-Robot Collaboration: Mediating Role of VR Learning Experience

The use of virtual reality for training has been shown to be effective in fostering behaviour change among learners. The widespread evolution in adoption and interest in construction robots has raised the need to train humans to team with robots for safe collaboration on-site. The high cost of construction robots and the need for self-paced, accessible and repetitive learning methods to foster a positive disposition towards human-robot teaming poses a challenge. This study developed a virtual reality-based human-robot collaboration learning framework to promote human-robot teaming in construction applications. The impact of VR learning experience in mediating learners' state of mind, VR features, VR Usability and behavioural intention to collaborate is examined in the study based on an experimental design involving 42 participants. The study utilised partial least squares structural equation modelling to confirm the direct and mediated impact. The results showed that the VR learning experience plays a crucial role in influencing this relationship. The learning experience in the virtual reality environment directly influences how VR usability affects users' intention to collaborate.