Virtual reality has been established for some years now as an incredible tool for immersion and simulation.
A quick reminder: Virtual reality is a term that refers to tools that enable the digital simulation of an environment. Depending on the technologies used, it gives the user the possibility of experiencing the virtual through his or her different senses: sight, hearing, touch, etc.
This great technology has emerged and has managed to seduce the largest multinationals. Since then, many companies and training organisations have taken the plunge to provide tools for both existing and new employees.
Training for professionals
Immersion now makes it possible to recreate in 3D conditions that are difficult to reproduce in real life. Remote or dangerous places, the presence of hazardous products, or even accident simulation, the creation of specific and realistic environments enables professionals to be provided with effective training tools.
Training in VR: some use cases
On a global level, multinationals such as UPS and Wallmart have deployed virtual reality training tools on a massive scale.
UPS
In order to make its employees aware of the risks associated with road safety, the American delivery giant has deployed a virtual reality training tool. This is a reconstruction of a vehicle cockpit designed to train drivers on risky situations. Multiple scenarios are used to generate new situations.
Wallmart
The famous retail group has deployed more than 200 training systems in its various stores. The aim of the tool is to prepare employees for very busy days, such as Black Friday. The situation is impossible to reproduce, so virtual reality is used. The employee is immersed and is invited to make choices in the interactions in order to optimise his or her time.
f2O
f2O is the leader in training for the profession of industrial butcher. To attract new candidates, f2O wanted to equip itself with an innovative and efficient tool thatArtefacto was responsible for designing. The objective was to provide a virtual practical part without risks and without loss of raw material in addition to the theory. This tool consists of 3 packs:
- An immersive tour of the working environment, in this case a slaughterhouse.
- A quiz to test the future employee's knowledge of the names of the pieces and their location on the animal
- A 3D meat-cutting simulation to learn the basic movements and posture, using a VR headset and controllers.
Unexpected benefits
The return on investment of this type of device is easily measurable:
Safety: Indeed, a 360° workplace and interactivity propels the user into a perfect state of readiness. The multiplicity of scenarios makes it possible to generate the unexpected and develop good safety or hygiene methods.
Cost: The price of a training course is relatively high and does not always cover all the desired areas. With virtual reality training, the price is lower, the sequences can be repeated and the scenarios can be multiple.
Profile validation: In the context of recruitment, virtual reality training allows you to quickly determine whether or not a candidate wishes to work in a particular field.
Validation of skills: Thanks to VR, it is possible to gauge the physical capacity of a person for certain tasks. This was the case for the training project for butchers developed by Artefacto. Indeed, some technical gestures can be exhausting or even physically impossible for some people.
Motivation: Yes! The fun aspect of VR increases the operator's motivation tenfold. This mix of game and professional training will succeed in making your employees enthusiastic.
Risk awareness mainly concerned
Of course, virtual reality training does not replace learning a trade in the field, especially in the craft industry. However, it is particularly relevant for risk awareness. For example, hygiene, safety (in the building industry, postures, dangerous tools, work at height, welding, chemicals) or even defects (waterproofing, proper functioning, etc.).
The user can follow various scripted tutorials allowing him to repeat good practices and to be vigilant on the key points in his job. Once in the field, he is made aware of and implements the knowledge acquired. This goes far beyond simple prevention thanks to the role-playing.
VR training: all sectors concerned
After a difficult start in the 1990s, the technology is now mature enough to offer total, realistic and interactive immersion. Large groups have already taken the plunge and are deploying this type of device. We are also seeing more and more training centres offering new virtual reality tools to complement the strictly theoretical part and motivate learners.
This massive deployment brings strong benefits that respond to real problems encountered in the field of training.
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