Enterprise use cases for virtual reality (VR) may not have been a major consideration when the original HTC Vive launched but nowadays its a mainstay of the industry. Today, HTC Vive in partnership with FreeRangeXR has announced workplace safety training solution ElevateXR specifically for the Vive Focus Plus standalone headset.
ElevateXR provides three hazard safety modules designed to simulate real-world scenarios. Helping to improve workplace training and safety, the software tests users’ knowledge of safety protocols for fall protection, lockout/tagout (LOTO) and confined spaces.
- Fall Protection: “Teaches trainees how to inspect proper and functional personal protective equipment (PPE) and distinguish safe anchor points and lifelines from unsafe ones, as well as allowing trainees to use best practices while working at height.”
- Lockout/Tagout: “A LOTO plan defines the necessary steps to disable equipment that could release hazardous energy. This module allows trainees to simulate the full LOTO procedure, from isolating energy and then repowering it again. It reaffirms collaborative behaviors that ensure trainees can protect themselves and others in isolating potentially hazardous energy sources, including learning to inspect proper and functional PPE and identifying equipment that requires LOTO and those that do not.”
- Confined Space Training: “Reinforces the importance of situational awareness and environmental evaluation with simulated confined space scenarios. This module will familiarize workers on the use of necessary personal protection gear and tools such as radios, gas monitors, and air blowers.”
The modules each contain three lessons engaging trainees in realistic environments whilst complementing existing annual certification tests.
“Virtual reality is changing the way we learn, including how companies and organizations train employees and reinforce safety protocols. We developed ElevateXR to provide an all-in-one training solution that allows trainees and employees to receive real-life safety training in VR, without real-life consequences,” said Dan O’Brien, HTC Global Head of Enterprise in a statement. “Effective in accelerating training around the top workplace hazards, ElevateXR saves firms time and money while equipping their employees with the knowledge they need to stay safe on the job.”
Companies in the US are now able to buy the Vive Focus Plus bundled with ElevateXR for $3,999.00 (excluding tax). HTC Vive launched the enterprise-focused standalone headset in early 2019 for $799, offering a 2880 x 1600 combined resolution and full 6DoF tracking. For further enterprise VR updates, keep reading VRFocus.