Research Project
VALVE: Virtual Assisted Learning for Valve and Equipment Training
Research Team
Lead Researchers:
- Dr. Nhut Ho, Mechanical Engineering
- Dr. Bingbing Li, Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Collaborators:
- Briana Mercuri, LADWP
- Dean Terada, LADWP
Student Team:
- Jared Carrillo, BS Mechanical Engineering
- Connor Juman, BS Computer Science
Funding
- Funding Organization: LADWP
Abstract
The Virtual Assisted Learning for Valve and Equipment Training (VALVE) project is a collaborative effort between California State University, Northridge’s Autonomy Research Center for STEAHM (ARCS) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), and aims to enhance workforce training through augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies.
The project focuses on developing immersive, interactive training modules that simulate LADWP’s water infrastructure systems. These modules enable employees to gain hands-on experience with water system components – such as valves, tanks, and pumps – in a safe, controlled virtual environment. VALVE supports LADWP’s broader goal of preparing employees for emerging job roles, improving safety training, and reducing water system downtime due to operational errors.
Motivation/Research Problem
Traditional methods of training in utility systems often rely on on-site demonstrations, paper manuals, and limited physical models. These approaches are constrained by availability, safety concerns, and cost.
LADWP identified a critical need to modernize its workforce development program to support training in emergency scenarios, equipment operation, and maintenance procedures. With AR/VR technologies maturing, there is an opportunity to evaluate their effectiveness in addressing skill gaps, improving retention, and scaling consistent training across multiple employee roles and scenarios.
Research Questions and Research Objectives
Research Questions:
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What AR/VR technologies best align with LADWP’s infrastructure training needs and cybersecurity requirements?
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How effective are immersive simulations in improving knowledge retention and procedural training outcomes for utility workers?
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What hardware and software configurations offer the best trade-off between usability, performance, and cost?
Research Objectives:
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Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of commercial AR/VR hardware and software for water infrastructure training.
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Develop and test immersive training modules for water system components such as regulator valves, relief valves, pump stations, and treatment facilities.
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Assess the usability, compatibility, and effectiveness of these solutions within LADWP’s operational environment.
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Provide recommendations and implementation pathways for full-scale deployment.
Research Methods
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Planning and Research: Identify candidate AR/VR technologies, assess cybersecurity compliance, and define use case scenarios with LADWP personnel.
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Procurement: Acquire selected AR/VR hardware and software platforms based on defined criteria.
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Development: Use tools such as Autodesk Fusion 360, Blender, and Verge3D to create interactive 3D training modules for valves, facilities, and critical components.
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Testing and Evaluation: Conduct usability testing with LADWP staff to measure performance, user satisfaction, and training effectiveness.
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Demonstrations and Feedback: Organize hands-on demonstration sessions with LADWP and iterate for training module development based on user feedback.
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Documentation: Produce comprehensive reports on findings, final recommendations, and technical specifications for deployment.
Research Deliverables and Products
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Research and testing plan detailing evaluation criteria and methodology.
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Comprehensive list of selected AR/VR tools and rationale for selection.
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Fully developed training modules for a range of water infrastructure components.
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3D models and walkthroughs of facilities with labeled, interactive components.
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Evaluation reports documenting hardware/software performance, user feedback, and training outcomes.
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Final presentation and implementation roadmap for LADWP.
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Transfer of all developed assets and procured hardware to LADWP at project closeout.
Research Timeline
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Months 0–2: Conduct initial research and planning, define training use cases with LADWP.
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Months 3–4: Procure hardware and software, with early development of training assets.
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Months 5–9: Develop AR/VR training module, iterative testing, and refinement.
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Months 10–11: Complete final evaluations, demonstrations, and compilation of findings.
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Month 12: Deliver final report, presentation to LADWP, and handover of assets.
Lead Researchers:
- Dr. Nhut Ho, Mechanical Engineering
- Dr. Bingbing Li, Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Collaborators:
- Briana Mercuri, LADWP
- Dean Terada, LADWP
Student Team:
- Jared Carrillo, BS Mechanical Engineering
- Connor Juman, BS Computer Science
Funding
- Funding Organization: LADWP