Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

Virtual gardening

Talrea uses virtual reality to train employees in gardening thanks to a new program.

Arkaitz and Juanjo work in gardening on a daily basis: mowing grass, weeding and gardening.
They have been working in GUREAK for years and they are already experts, but the beginnings were not so easy.

JUANJO ARRATIBEL; GOROLDI: I did the course in Astigarraga.

ANA VISO; GITEK: Until now, the training was done with instructions and, directly in the park, with machines, and it used to be quite difficult. So we wanted the tool or the virtual system to make this education a little easier and with more security.

This is how the VIRCAP project was born. It aims to avoid the problems of comprehension that reading often causes to people with impaired skills and to facilitate the safe use of the equipment.

Arkaitz and Juanjo have participated in the pilot program of the project, together with 13 other people. First they saw videos showing how the tools worked and then they demonstrated what they had learned on the computers.

They are offered training for 7 tools used in gardening.

ANA VISO; GITEK: We didn’t want the exercises to be isolated, but the whole teaching to be connected. Some
exercises are done in two dimensions with touch screens.

The exercises are very graphic, they explain the different work situations through drawings, and the student must choose the right one.

The lessons are presented as computer games, which motivates the students.

ARKAITZ ETXEBERRIA; GOROLDI: Sometimes I get stuck, but I manage.

ANA VISO; GITEK: It was very good for them too. When we’re done, we’re always asked when the next session will be coming, and I think they’ve welcomed it.

Virtual reality is at the heart of the VIRCAP project.

The student worker will move in the work area that is
controlled by eight cameras. All instruments to be used include sensors, i.e., beads attached by an antenna. The cameras detect their position and movements, process what they have done, and show the next step. Through the glasses, what appears on the screen will become a real work area for the user.

CARLOS REGLA; GOROLDI: We are able to familiarize employees with the use of instruments, which use real machines with sensors. This is how they perceive the weight, the size and the possibility of
moving. In addition, they use all the necessary safety elements for the work: protective glasses, gloves, signs... We have
installed all the elements that can be found in the garden, that is, the arches, the people... We have to take everything into account when it comes to work.

The experience of Arkazz, Juanjo and other friends has helped in the development of the system to achieve the sensation of getting as close to reality as possible.

ANA VISO; GITEK: We have carried out all the tests with a pilot group; they have been the ones who have told us how to do it and have developed all the tools, thanks to which we have adapted all the systems to their needs.

ARKAITZ ETXEBERRIA, GOROLDI: It's very different, but I think you can learn. Then you really learn with the experience of mowing the lawn, but you can learn. I think to take the first steps.

CARLOS REGLA; GOROLDI: Be amazed, because people have entered the landscapes and virtual works very well. He understands what the tool is, knows how to use it and has helped us to improve it.

The VIRCAP project has already been completed. The pedagogical plan is now being finalized in order to definitively establish the system of training in gardening among those with reduced skills.

For the moment, Gureak will only be for the staff of the group, but later, they explain their intention to extend it to other organizations.