Using VR for Industrial Training: Benefits and Challenges

Written by:

Talespin Team

Virtual Reality (VR) has been a buzzword in the field of technology for a while now, and it's slowly making its way into the industrial training realm. With its capability to simulate real-life scenarios, VR has been touted as a game-changer in industrial training, with the potential to revolutionize the way employees are trained. However, like any new technology, there are benefits and challenges associated with implementing VR in industrial training. In this article, we'll delve deeper into VR's advantages and the challenges that come with using it for industrial training.

Understanding Virtual Reality in Industrial Training

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality is a computer-generated simulation of a real-life environment, where the user can immerse themselves in it through a VR headset or goggles. The user will be able to interact with the simulated environment, similar to how humans interact with the natural world. Virtual Reality has been gaining popularity in various sectors, including industrial training.

The Evolution of VR in Industrial Training

VR has come a long way since its inception. Initially, it was more of a gaming technology, but as it evolved, it found its applications in other sectors. The industrial sector is one of the sectors where VR has been finding its niche. It has been used to train employees in different industries by simulating real-life scenarios, creating a safe and controlled environment.

VR in industrial training has been used to train employees in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and aviation. In the manufacturing industry, VR has been used to train employees on how to operate machinery and equipment safely. The employees can practice operating the machines in a virtual environment before handling the actual machines, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

In the healthcare industry, VR has been used to train medical professionals on how to perform surgeries and other medical procedures. The medical professionals can practice the procedures in a virtual environment, reducing the risk of errors during actual surgeries and procedures. VR can also be used to simulate medical emergencies, giving medical professionals the opportunity to practice their response in a controlled environment.

In the aviation industry, VR has been used to train pilots on how to operate planes and respond to emergency situations. The pilots can practice flying planes in a virtual environment, simulating different weather conditions and emergencies. This helps to prepare them for real-life situations, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

VR in industrial training has several benefits. It provides a safe and controlled environment for employees to practice their skills, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. It also allows for repetitive practice, which helps to improve skills and reduce errors. VR training is also cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for expensive equipment and materials.

In conclusion, Virtual Reality has revolutionized the way industrial training is conducted. It has provided a safe and controlled environment for employees to practice their skills, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. It has also improved the quality of training, allowing for repetitive practice and reducing errors. As VR technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more applications in various sectors, including industrial training.

Benefits of Using VR for Industrial Training

Virtual Reality (VR) has revolutionized the way we approach industrial training. It has become an essential tool for companies that want to provide their employees with a safe, practical, and immersive learning experience. In this article, we will explore some of the benefits of using VR for industrial training.

Enhanced Safety and Risk Reduction

Industrial fields require stringent safety measures as the employees' lives may be put at risk if safety protocols are not adhered to correctly. Training employees in real-life scenarios can be dangerous, which is where VR comes in handy. VR training can create virtual environments that simulate real-life scenarios, but with the employees' safety in mind, and without putting their lives in danger.

For example, a company that specializes in oil drilling can use VR to train their employees on how to operate heavy machinery and equipment without exposing them to the risks associated with the job. The employees can learn how to operate the machinery in a virtual environment, which prepares them for the real job without endangering their lives.

Improved Learning Retention

VR training improves the learning experience for employees. It provides employees with a practical and interactive learning experience that they can retain for a more extended period. According to research on VR training, people tend to retain 75% of what they learned through VR training, while traditional training methods only have a 10% retention rate.

The immersive nature of VR training makes it easier for employees to remember what they learned. They can interact with the virtual environment, which helps them remember the steps and procedures required to complete a task. This type of learning experience is more effective than reading a manual or watching a video.

Cost-Effective Training Solutions

Training can be expensive in the industrial sector, especially when real-life equipment needs to be used to train employees. VR training can provide a more cost-effective alternative, utilizing simulated environments that can effectively train employees without incurring additional costs.

For example, a company that wants to train its employees on how to operate a new piece of equipment can use VR to simulate the equipment in a virtual environment. This eliminates the need to purchase the equipment, which can be costly. The company can also save on training costs since they don't have to hire additional trainers or pay for travel expenses.

Realistic and Immersive Learning Environments

VR training gives employees an immersive and realistic learning experience, similar to being in the real workplace. The environment can be simulated down to every detail, creating a realistic experience that helps employees adapt more quickly to work situations.

For example, a company that wants to train its employees on how to handle emergency situations can use VR to simulate the emergency in a virtual environment. The employees can learn how to respond to the emergency in a safe and controlled environment, which prepares them for the real workplace.

Customizable and Scalable Training Programs

VR training is highly customizable and scalable. Training programs can be tailored, depending on the employee's skills and experience, and they can be scaled up or down to match a company's workforce requirements.

For example, a company that wants to train its employees on how to operate different types of machinery can use VR to create multiple training programs. The programs can be customized to match the employee's skill level and can be scaled up or down depending on the company's workforce requirements.

The three key components of the Talespin platform include a content creation tool, content library, and data and analytics dashboard

Since 2015, the Talespin team has been building a foundation to help the L&D industry and learners everywhere adopt immersive learning. Our platforms key components are designed to erase these pain points:

CoPilot Designer - an AI-powered no-code authoring tool, putting the power in the hands of creators to author immersive learning content.
Off-the-Shelf Content Library - a content library of more than 10+ hours of immersive soft skills learning content.
Talespin App - is the central location for learners to access all immersive content, including off-the-shelf and custom experiences.
Dashboard - in Dashboard, L&D leaders and managers can access advanced skills data to measure and track learner’s progression

In conclusion, VR has become a game-changer in the industrial training sector. Its ability to provide a safe, practical, and immersive learning experience has made it an essential tool for companies that want to train their employees effectively. With its customizable and scalable training programs, VR is sure to become even more popular in the coming years.

Challenges of Implementing VR in Industrial Training

High Initial Investment Costs

The implementation of VR training requires a huge initial investment in hardware, software, and other support equipment. The VR headsets and other equipment can be expensive, which makes it challenging for small companies to invest in VR training.

Technological Limitations and Compatibility Issues

*A comparison chart between traditional e-learning VS virtual learning*

Technological inadequacies may limit what VR can do. For example, some scenarios may not simulate as well as others, or the VR equipment may not work with some devices. Compatibility issues may also arise when trying to integrate VR technology with companies' pre-existing technology.

Resistance to Change and Adoption

Resistance to change and adoption may be a significant challenge when implementing new technology like VR training. Some employees may be skeptical of the new technology, and they may not be willing to participate in VR training sessions. Educational efforts may be required to make employees understand the benefits of VR training better.

Ensuring Quality and Effectiveness of VR Training Content

Creating quality VR training content can be challenging. The VR training content must be created with the employees' needs and company goals in mind. Without proper planning, the VR training content may not be effective in its delivery, and its effectiveness may be hindered in the long run.

Case Studies: Successful VR Applications in Industrial Training

VR Training in the Manufacturing Industry

Manufacturing companies have been using VR in their training programs to provide employees with a practical experience. Employees in the manufacturing industry have to deal with complex machinery and hazardous materials, making them prone to accidents if they are not trained correctly. With VR training, employees can be trained virtually in handling this equipment without being exposed to the risks that could occur in real-life scenarios.

VR Training in the Energy Sector

The energy sector requires employees to be trained in key safety issues, and a real-life failure can have severe consequences. With VR training, employees can learn how to handle complex equipment and situations without risking equipment damage or personnel accidents.

VR Training in the Construction Industry

The construction industry involves working on large-scale projects that require multiple skilled trades working together. Complex projects require proper coordination, and VR can be used to give employees an immersive experience in simulated environments to coordinate their efforts.

Conclusion

VR training is an innovative technology that provides companies with an exciting and practical way to train their employees. While it presents some challenges, the benefits of implementing VR in industrial training cannot be ignored. Companies that embrace VR training stand to gain a competitive advantage in the industry and improve their employees' safety, while also improving training retention and cost-effectiveness. Utilizing VR implementation is a significant step in modernizing industrial training, and companies that invest first will benefit from its advantages sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions around VR for industrial training:

Can VR be used for training?

Yes, VR is widely used for training across industries. It provides realistic simulations and interactive experiences that enhance skills, decision-making, and situational preparedness in a risk-free environment.

How can VR be used in industrial training?

VR in industrial training replicates workplace scenarios for skill enhancement, safety training, and onboarding. It offers realistic, hands-on experiences, improving workers' readiness and safety awareness in controlled environments, while also enabling remote training and facility tours.

How is VR used for job training?

VR is used for job training by creating immersive, interactive simulations. It enables employees to practice tasks, decision-making, and situational responses in realistic scenarios. This hands-on training enhances skills and readiness, especially in industries like healthcare, aviation, and manufacturing.