Automated kinesthetic trainer enhances kinesthetic memory development

This research studied the usefulness and effectiveness of providing movement guidance and haptic feedback in enhancing kinesthetic memory development. Participants were trained to perform horizontal welding in two different settings: free-hand (traditional group) or under physical guidance (machine group). Their welding performance, as well as kinesthetic memory development was evaluated. As for kinesthetic memory, since it is related to movement and posture, three parameters were measured: moving speed, muscle activity, and elbow angle. Machine group significantly outperformed traditional group in performance, and also showed significant better control of moving speed than the traditional group. However, muscle activity pattern and elbow angle didn‘t differ significantly between two groups. The finding suggested that welding training can be improved significantly by providing appropriate movement guidance, and this method can also be expanded to other training. Work of this study is relevant to industry in two perspectives: 1) providing guidance and haptic feedback can be used in any kinds of training in industry that involves posture and movement development; 2) a new and effective training method for welders was proposed and verified from scientific study. •Performance was significantly enhanced under guided training.•Guided practice improved the ability of controlling the path of completing a task.•Kinesthetic memory development in terms of moving speed was enhanced.