When most people think of virtual reality, they automatically focus on video games and entertainment. That shouldn’t be surprising, but there are other beneficial uses of VR away from the consumer space.
As an example, immersive learning is now used to simulate realistic workplace scenarios, with companies stepping in to further customize the experience.
Recently, I stumbled across a press release noting CSE Software is helping Caterpillar deliver on its next-generation tools, with the Cat Safety VR designed to help employees keep themselves and their coworkers safe on the construction job site.
A user wears a headset and must complete tasks such as following instructions from a job foreman through different safety training scenarios. (In 2015, a work zone crash/collision happened every 5.4 minutes, according to the NHTSA’s “Fatality Analysis Reporting System.”)
“Virtual Reality offers a huge change in the realm of safety training. Development has only the bounds of the imagination. Any industry, any scenario, and especially those dangerous in the real world, can be developed for an immersive training experience. VR can replace traditional training methods; keep users engaged longer and with a greater degree of knowledge retention.”
Renee Gorrell, VP at CSE, in a press statement.
Overall, VR technology intrigues me. Of course it’s fun to cover B2C, but the workplace and business-oriented uses for VR solutions also can prove to be exciting to witness. It’s no surprise to hear VR implementation as a training tool in the workplace is becoming popular. The ability to provide employees with enhanced job training in a safe environment – while also learning about other training scenarios – is something that a variety of different verticals can benefit from.
Here are a few quick examples of VR uses in different
- Military / Law Enforcement – Various training tools for officers and military personnel for threat assessment, learning, etc.
- Medical – Doctors, surgeons, and other specialists receive detailed assessment of a medical procedure before heading into the operating room.
- Aircraft Pilots / Ship Captains – Transportation security is another sector which will benefit, with training simulations and similar teaching tools become prevalent.
[Image courtesy of ForConstructionPros]
