ROBOT OPERATION
Blended Learning Approach - iRobot Training Program
US Military, Law Enforcement, HazMat Response Teams, Research Scientists
Program Brief
Overview
Samples of my work during an eight-year contract with iRobot are featured below. Individual pieces were selected to depict my approach for training the skills required to remotely operate land-based and seafaring robot models with significantly different purposes and capabilities.
NDA Disclaimer
All sample content featured below is exempt from the non-disclosure agreement. With the permission of iRobot, this content appeared in L-3 Communications/D.P. Associates promotional DVDs and other marketing materials available to the public.
Training Goal
The purpose of this training program was to develop proficient operators and maintainers, capable of translating their newly acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities into competency on the job in support of their organization's business goals.
Role
Senior Instructional Designer | Innovator | Learner Advocate | Team Cheerleader| Collaborator | Mentor
Team: Served on team of six, which included graphic artists, a videographer, a programmer, and instructional designers.
Training Modalities
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e-Learning: Interactive, multimedia training via DVD shipped with every robot sold
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Instructor-Led Training Materials: Instructor/student guides, slide decks, scenario-based hands-on practice exercises
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Performance Support Tools: Quick reference guides, job aids, microlearning video
Client
iRobot Corporation
Tools
Proprietary e-learning authoring software, Photoshop, PowerPoint
Duration
8 years
Audience
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Military customers around the world
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Law enforcement, hazmat emergency response teams, engineers, scientists
Background
This section provides some context to help you better understand the training samples that follow. I highlight the main hardware components common to all robot models and summarize the software application's role in remotely operating the vehicle and its parts.
Components for Base Model
All land-based robot models from the manufacturer share the same basic component types, but they vary in size and shape. By installing additional parts and accessories to a robot model, customers can tailor its configuration and add functionality, based on their goals.
Warrior Tactical Robot
Proficient operators have the ability to safely and effectively employ the Warrior during the execution of a mission. Given that missions requiring a robot are often high-risk, mastery of critical robot operational knowledge, skills, and abilities is paramount. In addition, navigating a robot that is beyond one’s line of sight—to protect oneself from danger—can be especially challenging and requires a distinct set of skills.
Blended Learning Approach
The Warrior Tactical Robot curriculum includes e-learning, instructor-led training, hands-on practice exercises, and performance support tools. To ensure all students came to in-person classes with the same foundational knowledge, completion of five e-learning modules was a prerequisite. The storyboard for the first e-learning lesson appears below on the left.
Warrior Capabilities Lesson
Successfully operating a specific robot model requires an understanding of its capabilities and limitations. The Warrior Tactical Robot Capabilities lesson prepares future operators for making the most of the robot’s features and functionality in light of mission requirements, while avoiding maneuvers and situations that could jeopardize the vehicle.
The lesson storyboard is included above, and sample screens are featured below.
Opening Video
This video introduces the Warrior and features some of its rather impressive capabilities. The intent behind designing this 30-second piece was to prime the participants' minds for learning. Getting them into the right frame of mind helps them become more receptive to the course and better able to absorb and retain the content.
Providing a preview of upcoming lesson content was meant to whet the learner's appetite and ultimately set the stage for an optimal experience. So, from the footage my team took during our trip to the customer site, I carefully chose scenes that would capture the audience's attention and spark their curiosity. A secondary criteria of mine for determining which video clips to include was an ability to convey the Warrior as rugged, powerful, and well, ... cool.
To fine-tune the intro video, I paired the footage with an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack (with the help of my team) to rev up and appeal to the learners. The background music seemed to add the finishing touches I was looking for, so my team and I were happy with the final product.
Sample Screen Prints
The following samples are from the Warrior Tactical Robot Capabilities lesson. Note: Lesson titles appear in the course interface along with page numbers and navigation.
Warrior Obstacle Course
Natural Environments Card Game
Vertical Obstacles
Terrain Interactivity
EOD Operation Modes
Seaglider - an Unmanned Underwater Robotic Vehicle
The Seaglider
In addition to manufacturing several models of land-based robotic vehicles, iRobot produced an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) called the Seaglider for maritime applications. The Seaglider is sent deep into the ocean to measure temperature, salinity, oxygen, and phytoplankton concentration. After collecting data, the robot rises to the surface where it transmits the findings--via global satellite telemetry--to a base station for analysis.
The Seaglider is used by the U.S. Navy and by government agencies, oceanographers, and research organizations across the globe. Seaglider missions can range from one day to several months when covering thousands of miles.
Training Samples
Work samples for this section are coming soon.