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Immersive Learning: How 5 Industries Use VR and AR Training for Employees

Are you in need of a reframe when it comes to your training strategy? Your biggest challenges are your best business opportunities! XR enterprise training offers a dynamic fusion of cutting-edge technology and personalized learning experiences. 

With an array of growing use cases in the XR enterprise space, organizations are taking note of the impressive demos that showcase the versatility of XR training. XR is effective for an array of use cases, from training complex skills such as machine operation and pallet stacking that require hands-on practice to delivering uncanny realism to evoke emotion and prepare employees for crucial interpersonal skills that they can transfer to the real world. XR training is revolutionizing workforce development. We’ve outlined some impressive AR and VR training examples to jumpstart your research!

The Versatility of Immersive Learning

Immersive learning is growing in versatility with the help of new and innovative applications. The recent introduction of new spatial computing devices and wearable AR hardware has re-sparked an interest in the world of XR experiences and enterprise use cases. From engagement to knowledge retention, the benefits of immersive learning are transforming technical skill acquisition. XR can also be used to develop soft skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork through simulated interactions and role-playing scenarios.

In addition to trends in digitally enhanced workflows – light and ergonomic AR headsets are enhancing productivity in warehouse logistics. Augmented reality is becoming the quintessential learning technology for on-the-job performance support. By comparison, learning becomes even more tactile in virtual reality training with the help of haptic feedback devices. 

How 5 Industries Use VR and AR Training for Employees 

1. Airline Safety With VR Training 

Virtual reality has the power to immerse learners in realistic environments that replicate the real world, but VR’s ability to offer realistic job previews is even more impactful in industries that are difficult to replicate in the real world. Take an airline runway, for example. Can you imagine how much it would cost to simulate an active airport to train employees? With XR’s scalability, nearly all major airlines are exploring VR training right now. 

As the airline industry gains more experience in XR training, many airlines are utilizing VR training from the ground up. One major airline wanted to focus on enhancing training for employees responsible for safe arrival and departure, VR was the obvious choice for recreating an enormous training space— an airline runway.  VR aircraft marshaller training focuses on targeting the most common pain points that interrupt standard procedures. With the help of Mercury XRS, top airlines can track more than just time to completion and the number of mistakes made during the course. Trainers can see if learners are using clear and correct hand signals by tracking their body ergonomics to ensure optimal communication with pilots on the runway. 

2. Immersive Fire Safety (AR and VR Training)

Fire safety is not limited to one type of industry. From large retailers to cable and internet providers, immersive learning enhances fire safety training. What if employees could feel the heat on their fingertips during fire safety training? VR training enhances the learning experience and drives engagement with its immersive and interactive features. XR training allows learners to experience high-risk scenarios without putting them in actual danger.

VR Fire Safety Training 

With cutting-edge haptic feedback, VR fire safety training becomes an unforgettable sensory experience that boosts situational awareness. Haptic feedback devices like WeArt simulate realistic temperature cues, boosting situational awareness and making training stick. Virtual reality programs don’t just teach—VR training immerses learners, emphasizing the vital importance of relevant sensory cues that help individuals detect and prevent the spread of fire in the workplace. 

AR Fire Safety Training 

Want something at a more accessible price point? AR fire safety training is a highly scalable solution for organizations that did the math and have opted out of buying hundreds of fire extinguishers for in-person training.  Augmented reality training also offers experiential learning that requires learners to interact with digital replicas of real-world equipment, like fire extinguishers. 

3. AR Glasses in Warehouse Training with PIT Equipment

The first-ever use of XR tech in mobile equipment operation training is here! AR glasses have opened new possibilities for augmented reality training, with an emphasis on offering unmatched performance support while on the job. Augmented reality training blends the digital and real worlds, allowing learners to stay in the real world while enhancing the learning process with interactive digital assets. The Magic Leap 2 features patented optics technology and is made for extended use with a lightweight and ergonomic design. Recent collaborations have blended Magic Leap’s software and hardware, showcasing the huge potential of mixed reality for training. 

AR training for operating power industrial trucks (PIT) was reimagined first by enhancing Magic Leap software. By replicating the dimensions of a warehouse and undergoing rigorous testing, Magic Leap hardware pushes the boundaries of XR training by keeping track of both the learner and the equipment they are using while in motion. This innovation can be attributed to the power of spatial mapping and the innovation of spatial anchor usage. By accomplishing a use case for AR glasses on a moving platform, wearable augmented reality devices have a promising future in logistics.

Read More: AR Training Explained – How To Use Magic Leap In Corporate Learning

4. VR Training Engine Repair for Railways

Imagine the organizational impact when employees can dive into lifelike simulations for assembly, repair, and maintenance, mastering skills before ever touching a real engine. As one of the largest railroad networks in North America, BNSF’s strategy to create an effective VR training program is revolutionizing the railway industry with a higher standard for safety training. BNSF’s mechanic training is not only the first in the industry, but maximizes the benefits and capabilities of XR. Haptic feedback devices deliver force feedback to learners’ fingertips when they interact with digital objects, giving tactile training a whole new meaning. 

By pairing traditional classroom facilitation and hands-on simulated practice, the custom-built VR experience incorporates HaptX glove technology to deliver realism and interactive learning into the hands of learners by delivering pressurized air to learners’ fingertips for realistic touch during training scenarios. Built to acclimate employees to step-by-step processes, VR training provides opportunities for employees to build their knowledge of the importance of personal protection equipment (PPE), sharpen risk awareness, and hone seamless lock-out tag-out procedures.

5. VR Warehouse Training

The top challenges in the warehousing industry are no secret. Turnover, time to proficiency, and safety incidents are all major roadblocks for organizations that want to push the needle. From compliance to safety and technical training, virtual reality is saving warehouses time and money. In VR, immersive warehouse simulations improve spatial awareness and technical skills by giving employees the chance to practice locating products and rehearsing safe lifting practices. 

Prone to injury and turnover, warehouse employees aren’t afraid to cut ties. With other competition just down the street, it’s time for warehousing organizations to think about what sets them apart as employers. The applications for VR warehouse training are endless. Productivity and efficiency are of the utmost importance at every stage of the warehouse process flow. From onboarding to step-by-step processes and safety training, virtual reality training programs build employee confidence. 

Implementing XR Training 

Are you eager to cultivate an engaged workforce? Successfully implementing XR training is less about relying on impressive technology and more about fostering a strong learning foundation. 

XR is only as effective as the organization using it. It’s important to work with a learning partner who can help you invest in the right technologies and ensure a strong ROI. AR and VR training requires a strategic blend of technology, engagement, and clear objectives. Start by identifying specific training needs that XR can address more effectively than traditional methods. When choosing the training topic for your XR program, a good practice is to keep the SMART acronym in mind (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). 

Choose the right hardware and software tailored to your organization’s goals. This will ensure ease of use and accessibility for all employees and comprehensive support for smooth adoption and integration. It’s hard to teach something just one way and extended reality is not a replacement for your existing training program. Blended learning is a modern, learner-centric solution that allows diverse learning paths to interface in a training program. By incorporating XR technology into a blended learning model, your organization can enhance training by offering multiple learning paths. 

Always ask to review an XR provider’s portfolio to assess the quality of their work. Ask your XR vendor about their development process from ideation to final product. By gaining the right insight into each stage of the development process, organizations can customize their training programs to measure essential skills. Through collaboration with instructional designers and developers, it will be worth determining how you’ll track learning outcomes and measure the success of your program when it’s ready to be deployed. It’s strongly recommended to evaluate the program’s impact through feedback and performance metrics to refine and enhance the training program.

The Future of AR and VR 

XR isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. VR is adaptable to different industries and training needs by recreating various training environments and scenarios that feel natural. VR can be tailored to train all kinds of roles, from de-icing planes to guiding and directing aircraft on the ground at airports. AR’s strength lies in its accessibility and ability to merge the physical and digital worlds to enhance learning while on the job. Both XR modalities are exceptional learning reinforcement tools when blended with traditional modes of learning. While many organizations are rightfully focused on skill proficiency, true learning impact can be demonstrated with preventive training. 

The current XR enterprise space is filled to the brim with innovation, with AR and VR programs showcasing the impact immersive technology is making on corporate learners. Equip your employees with the knowledge and tools they need to grow alongside your organization!

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