Design of a domain-independent training system based on a smart pedagogical agent

The success of training through virtual environments is due both to an interesting cost savings for industry and positive results for learners. However, the system behind this approach is usually hard to produce, being strongly domain-dependent and for this reason difficult to port on other domains. Here we present the design of a domain-independent training system based on simulation environments, capable to be reused in different domains and especially in the industrial ones, saving costs considerably. The main idea behind the system design is the separation between the domain logic and the trainer role. This distinction is achieved by the adoption of a modular and flexible agent-based system approach. We present a first case study for training advanced technicians to learn maintenance procedures for complex medium tension equipments.