COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF VIRTUAL REALITY VS. AUGMENTED REALITY IN WELDING OPERATOR TRAINING

Purpose: This study investigates the comparative effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies in welding operator training, with a focus on perceived realism and potential for skill transfer. Given the high-risk nature of welding, the research explores safer and more efficient alternatives to traditional hands-on instruction. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 40 certified welders with at least five years of experience participated in a controlled comparison of VR and AR training systems at a laboratory in the Walbrzych Special Economic Zone in Poland. Both systems were enhanced with standardized instructions based on the Training Within Industry (TWI) Job Instruction method. After practicing the same welding task in both environments, participants rated the realism of each experience using a 5-point Likert scale. A paired sample t-test was used to assess statistical significance. Findings: The results show that AR training was perceived as significantly more realistic than VR, with average ratings of 4.13 and 2.55 respectively. Participants highlighted the physical interaction with real tools and objects in AR as a major factor contributing to this realism. VR, while immersive and safe, lacked haptic feedback and physical context, which reduced its perceived authenticity. The findings support the use of AR for enhancing skill transfer and suggest a blended training model using both technologies. Research limitations/implications: This study focuses on subjective assessments of realism without measuring actual skill improvement post-training. Future research should incorporate objective performance evaluations and explore long-term learning outcomes. Practical implications: The study provides evidence for training designers and manufacturers on how to integrate AR and VR in welding instruction. AR shows promise for improving trainee readiness and reducing material costs, while VR remains valuable for safe repetition of basic techniques. Originality/value: The article offers a novel comparison of VR and AR in the context of welding, based on evaluations from experienced welders rather than novices. It also integrates the TWI Job Instruction method into both training environments, providing a standardized instructional foundation for fair comparison and improved consistency.