AMMACHI LAbs designed the Amrita Progressive Training Assistance using Haptic simulation (APTAH), a cost effective four degrees of freedom (4DoF) haptic simulator that can train the use of over nineteen hand-held and powered tools used in several vocations. The simulator provides audio, visual and haptic cues that can help the novice master the use of the tools in the absence of a human trainer. We model tool-material interactions rendered using a custom visuohaptic environment built on top of the CHAI3D library. This is an unconventional attempt at designing a multi-tool haptic trainer that could potentially replace traditional training tools and materials in the primary stages of vocational skill training. APTAH currently simulates complex machinery like the table saw, band saw and the jigsaw and tools like the hacksaw, file and the hand plane. The simulator has been used to train the first certified women plumbers of India as well as in schools in Andhra Pradesh to train students in practical maker skills. Larsen & Toubro is currently using the APTAH simulator at their Construction Skills Training Institutes along with our in-house Skills Learning Management System.

Associated Projects:
The SAVE Project

The Women Empowerment Project (WE)

Associated Publications:

Design of a bi-manual haptic interface for skill acquisition in surface mount device soldering

Recognition:
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