XR or Extended Reality, refers to smart technologies such as VR, AR, or MR that are capable of altering reality through the use of innovative hardware and software. While XR was initially introduced to the entertainment market, particularly video games, it has grown into so much more in the last decade. These immersive technologies are now utilized in major industries, including healthcare and medicine, manufacturing, retail, and so on. One particularly notable use of XR, that many organizations are adapting, is in training and education – here’s why.
Technical training for complex machinery
Many different jobs require employees to use various types of complex machinery. The training process for new workers can be difficult and expensive, which is why business candidates with less experience may often be rejected. However, with the use of XR, it’s possible to train people in an efficient and cost-effective way, without damaging any real equipment.
For instance, VR (Virtual Reality) can be used to teach employees how to operate complex systems, pilot a plane or drive a forklift. With the help of a VR headset, this technology immerses the person into different real-life scenarios, where they have to operate the machinery in different situations, which effectively prepares them for the real thing.
AR (Augmented Reality) is a great way to learn tasks that require physical interaction with the real machinery, while also training the person along the way. A good example is car manufacturing, where AR can recognize the different parts of the car and display tutorials on what to do, as the person is working on them.
Practicing communication skills
Communication is one of the most important soft skills an employee can learn, according to a wide range of different industries. A VR simulation can help learn and practice these skills in fake scenarios, avoiding mistakes or difficult situations in the real world. This is particularly important in customer support – when working in retail or the hospitality sector, for example. This way, people can practice dealing with all kinds of customers, avoiding uncomfortable situations, and dealing with problematic customers.
In addition to this, XR can also be leveraged by the management and leadership teams in different organizations. Always improving communication skills is important when managing your staff as well as learning how to avoid personal biases or acts of microaggression, maintain a good level of empathy when dealing with vulnerable people and so on..
Safety training
XR environments can be a brilliant way to educate people on personal safety and train them on how to deal in dangerous situations. There are plenty of real-life examples where such training would come in handy, including industries that require employees to deal with scary situations on a daily basis. For instance, firefighters, police officers, construction workers of dangerous sites, etc.
Additionally, using XR for safety training for educational purposes could help avoid a lot of horrible situations, not only in business but also in people’s personal lives. Such simulations as being attacked while walking home at night or experiencing a robbery while working in a shop can teach people how to stay relaxed, and focused and what exactly to do to ensure their safety.
