Virtual and Mixed Reality in Training: Effective Technologies and Their Prospects

Modern technologies allow for a significant improvement in the employee training process in such critical areas as HSE and industrial safety. One of the most promising technologies today is the use of VR (Virtual Reality) and Mixed Reality for simulators. Combined with interactive SCORM simulators, these solutions create a deeply engaging and realistic learning environment. However, as with any other technology, there are nuances to consider during implementation.

VR: Full Immersion in the Process

Virtual reality is a new training tool that creates a full immersion effect. Simple briefings are transformed into dynamic situations where the employee becomes an active participant rather than just a passive observer. Depending on the environment, the situation develops based on their actions, and the person cannot simply "sit it out." This experience makes training more effective and memorable because it is linked to real actions and consequences.

However, despite the potential, VR technologies are still far from perfect. Based on my observations in companies using virtual simulators, in most cases, these systems were used more for demonstrations and "executive reviews" than for actual employee training. Workers themselves rarely complete full courses on such simulators, and there are several reasons for this.

Challenges with VR Provision: What to Be Prepared For

1. Need for Adaptation. Employees need time to get used to VR headsets and controllers. This is not as simple as it might seem at first glance, especially if the workers have never encountered virtual reality before. Only after mastering the equipment can they proceed directly to training.
2. Technical Complexity. VR headsets are quite finicky devices. They require periodic calibration, and their quantity at enterprises is often limited due to high costs. Additionally, some users find it difficult to adapt to VR — a "motion sickness" effect occurs, which can hinder full-scale training.
3. Content Quality. Most solutions on the market do not yet meet expectations. The quality of software execution and the realism of the atmosphere often leave much to be desired. Nevertheless, the future of VR technologies and their development brings real benefits.

Conclusions and Approaches

Based on the analysis of all the pros and cons of virtual reality, we have reached conclusions that help correctly implement and fully utilize these technologies:

1. Choosing a Contractor. Companies that develop and implement VR solutions must have solid experience in VR product development. You should not choose solutions based solely on price; otherwise, you risk getting a product that will just gather dust in a closet. It is important to evaluate the quality of execution and the experience of previous implementations.
2. Mixed Reality. For simulators to become truly useful, elements of mixed reality must be used. This means that virtual scenarios should be supplemented with physical objects — mock-ups of control panels, fire extinguishers, mannequins, etc. These objects should exist physically and be operated during VR training. If an employee can interact with real objects, replicating sensations and feeling the weight of the equipment, they gain practical, hands-on experience rather than just memorizing a sequence of actions.
3. SCORM Simulators. VR headsets are an expensive luxury, especially if a company has a massive workforce. To ensure mass training, simulators must support the SCORM format. This format can be run on any device — from smartphones to information kiosks — allowing for interactive training without the need for large-scale equipment purchases.
4. Equipment Choice. Do not strive to purchase the most expensive VR headsets. There are many affordable and inexpensive options. The main criterion is that the headset should be wireless, and the simulators should be loaded directly onto the device to avoid a constant connection to a computer.
5. Simulator Effectiveness. Many simulators today consist of step-by-step prompts for users: "Go here, put on a helmet, take gloves..." However, our task is to give the employee real experience in safe conditions so that they are emotionally involved and better remember how to act in emergency situations. If an employee is "crushed by a load" or sees "blood flowing" during training, this experience will be remembered for a lifetime, and they will not behave incorrectly in a real situation.

Conclusion: The Future Lies in Interaction and Mixed Reality

By no means am I calling for the complete replacement of real training with virtual training. However, an effective combination of both approaches can yield magnificent results. Virtual reality and mixed reality can complement real-world sessions, allowing employees to safely practice scenarios in a controlled environment. Furthermore, VR can achieve the required level of training: instead of relying on the abilities of a specific instructor, every employee receives equally high-quality and detailed training.

Another major advantage is the replacement of boring training films, which few people remember, with full gamification of the learning process. This not only makes training more engaging but also promotes better retention of rules and procedures, ultimately leading to an increased level of safety.