A Virtual Reality Reach Stacker Simulator for Operator Training
Resumo
Introduction: Virtual reality can support training for heavy-equipment operation by reducing exposure to risk and enabling repeatable practice, but studies on reach stacker simulators still provide limited detail about task design and performance logging. Objective: This paper presents the design and exploratory evaluation of a virtual reality reach stacker simulator for operator training, with emphasis on reproducible task conditions, objective telemetry and post-use experience measures. Methodology: Thirteen adults completed a standardized container-stacking task using a head-mounted display and a physical control rig; the simulator logged task time, collisions and final positioning errors, and questionnaires assessed cybersickness, presence, usability, workload and perceived learning. Results: Ten complete logs showed completion times from 56.6 to 447.8 s, final translational errors from 0.052 to 0.391 m and yaw errors below 1.5 degrees. Questionnaire medians indicated low cybersickness, favorable usability (SUS = 85.0), moderate workload and high perceived learning, suggesting that the simulator provides a safe and measurable basis for future studies on port-operator training.
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