Using Robotic Avatars in Second Life Simulations and Training

Corporate training in Second Life often starts with a role-play, or a lecture-type setting where trainees work with real instructor. Necessity to conduct training in a synchronous mode with instructor who leads the training at all times used to limit the basic appeal of e-learning in Second Life. Indeed, in e-learning we expect trainees to be able to learn and practice on their own and instructor to serve as a figure of authority and a safety net.

With the introduction of specialized e-learning "smart robots" Second Life training switches to asynchronous mode. Smart robots developed by AHG interact with trainee during training session. They look and act like regular avatars controlled by real people but in fact are operated by computer software.

For instance, in our "Working Under Pressure" simulation robotic avatar plays a role of manager. This manager unexpectedly appears in front of the trainee, demands report on the progress, orders new tasks to be performed and in general distracts and puts additional pressure on the trainee.

In the training program that deals with interaction between people, such as communication or sales simulations, robots are indispensable as a part of a self-study unit. Trainees can log in and run the simulation as many times as they need to become comfortable with their assignment. Our experience shows that programs that start with lesson taught by a real person -- either on-line or in the class -- and then provide an opportunity to use simulation result in the best outcome. They are also most effective in terms of time and resources.

In robotic instructors simulation, robotic avatars are logged in on demand, provide a guided tour or a lesson for a trainee and log out after session is completed. They can be used to demonstrate technical equipment operation, certain procedures, provide guided tour of a location, etc. During the session robotic instructors can ask trainee to repeat specific steps and provide trainee with a feedback. Robotic instructors behavior is controlled via password-protected web-interface, so that non-programmers, such as instructional designers or training specialists, are able to modify an existing simulation or even create a new one without a single line of code.

Every time a trainee logs in to complete assigned task or to perform self-training, our system logs the process for future self-assessment by trainee and review by instructor. Detailed reports on specific tasks and progress reports are available.

Our Second Life robot avatars are quite sophisticated in terms of their reaction to trainee's actions. Not only they provide appropriate verbal response, but non-verbal clues -- gestures, face mimics, sounds -- as well. This makes AHG's Second Life training systems uniquely fit for "soft skills" training such as leadership, communications, sales, cultural and others.

In addition to robot avatars used in training and education, we create robots that can be used in research, for example to study human interactions.

If you are interested in using robot avatars in your Second Life project, please, call (814)234-0900 or contact us to discuss your project.