Immersive employee learning & training in virtual reality
Virtual and Augmented Reality can serve as a tool and a key element of employee education programs introduced by various departments in companies of all industries and sizes. In this article we are going to shed some light on the application of VR and AR in training, and its benefits.
The benefits of the use of VR and AR for employee training are as follows:
- Safer workplace environment, minimized number of accidents and serious injuries
- Low cost compared to conventional training
- Reusability
- Cloud solutions available all around the world
- Increased employee morale, accuracy and efficiency
- Reduced number of errors, stoppages and delays
- Significant savings on employee compensations and machinery maintenance
Augmented Reality training
Thanks to AR it is possible to scan, using a smartphone, tablet or AR goggles, the notice boards, safety markings, machines and workstations located in various parts of the workplace, and next display awe-inspiring visualisations, models, infographics and explanations such as restrictions, levels or cutting area.
Properly applied AR technology helps in achieving ergonomics excellence and precision, reducing errors and wastage. Moreover, user manuals backed by Augmented Reality become more transparent and easier attract attention. Employees and users empowered with AR tools tend to be far more familiar with the same content which is contained in often extensive, traditional textbooks and instruction manuals. All necessary information is easily available, employees easier acquire crucial knowledge and expertise, and as a result the risk of errors, malfunctions and accidents is significantly lower.
We encourage you to watch the video presentation of an amazing training AR app for the Epson Moverio BT-100:
It is also worth noting that, apart from employee training, AR applications can also serve as a troubleshooting medium in case of technical problems, allowing users to share the screen of their phone with experts who can remotely draw on-screen instructions with a built-in graphic editor. Such changes may be instantly displayed in the form of 3D models in Augmented Reality, and that means the explanations always remain in the same place, regardless of the perspective from which we look at the object. The application is supported by voice and text communication.
Virtual Reality training
Virtual Reality allows us to perfectly represent and simulate any environment, such as a given workplace, with all its distinctive characteristics. These virtual spaces are immersive and allow its users to interact with them.
VR is a cutting-edge technology that can be applied in industrial, medical, military and many other settings. It can also be successfully applied to health and safety training to perform safety procedures and practice heavy machine operation. With VR we have the opportunity to i.a. create 360 tours to help new employees familiarize themselves with the workplace in a completely safe, virtually mapped environment.
What is more, VR allows us to simplify and thoroughly explain even the most complex situations and processes, making them so easy to learn. In a virtual environment anything is possible, and learners often see precise guidelines and data over layered on top of a given virtual object such as a machine or a computer. VR training is a really fascinating and entertaining experience that arouses enthusiasm and therefore stimulates memorisation and comprehension.
UPS have utilized Virtual Reality by introducing in their training facilities a VR application that teaches students how to drive delivery vehicles and deliver packages, with a strong emphasis on spotting and identifying road hazards. The users practice driving delivery trucks in a perfectly mapped city that has realistic road traffic and delivery/pickup sites.
In conventional training some of the mistakes can be really costly and machinery is often expensive. On the contrary, virtual training is risk and danger-free, and such training courses can take place anywhere.
Finally, with the use of VR it is also possible to connect learners located in various facilities or locations throughout the world, and create a virtual webinar that provides the advantages of a classroom-based tutoring, empowering learners with digital tools and making them more engaged.