Robert Bosch LLC has added a virtual skills assessment program to its Bosch Online Learning Portal. In the Bosch 2D Virtual Garage, users work through fault scenarios to diagnose and repair a virtual vehicle.
Participants using the 2D Virtual Garage assessment program work with common diagnostic tools typically found in a standard repair shop. They are faced with a specific fault and will attempt to diagnose the issue on a virtual vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine.
Specific parts can be selected on a schematic board, the diagnostic data associated with that part can be reviewed, and the participant can then decide which part is the source of the fault.
Once the diagnosis phase is complete, the parts department can be opened and service parts selected and installed. Finally, a virtual road test will determine if the vehicle has been repaired.
Bosch says skills will be measured throughout the exercise using a real time clock. Once the repair is complete, participants can compare their results against the standard time needed to complete the fault, and can retry the challenge to better understand the diagnostic process.
The program provides exposure to a variety of diagnostic tools and test processes, some of which may not be familiar to the participant, offering the opportunity for additional learning. Experience working on a GDI engine is also valuable as one-fourth of all vehicles worldwide will be equipped with a GDI system by 2020, according to Bosch.
“Providing resources such as the Bosch Virtual Garage helps technicians assess and improve their skills and in turn, more efficiently and accurately service their customers’ vehicles in the shop,” says Bob Pattengale, manager, training and hotline, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket North America.
“Through the Bosch Online Learning Portal, an expansive collection of content is conveniently accessible on demand 24/7/365 for those looking to improve their knowledge and skills.”
The first fault scenario is available free of charge. Additional scenarios will be added in the months ahead for a nominal charge.
Technicians and vocational students can access Virtual Garage at AviOnDemand.com/Bosch-Virtual-Garage.
In addition to the Bosch Online Learning Portal, Bosch also offers hands-on training courses in a classroom or garage setting at facilities around the country, and product support materials such as technical books, videos and posters. For further information on Bosch training opportunities, visit BoschTechInfo.com.
