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So far Patrick Johnston has created 39 blog entries.

Australian miners Byrnecut partner with Immersive on training technology

Australian underground mining contractor Byrnecut have partnered with Immersive Technologies to fit its technical training centre with new simulators. Immersive has installed two IM360-B simulators to the Perth facility. It also delivered machine modules for a CAT Truck and LHD, Sandvik Truck and LHD and Epiroc (Atlas Copco) Truck. Some 350 new and experienced staff have gone through the centre in the last nine months. "The establishment of this training and induction center very much fits with the Byrnecut philosophy of investing in the industry leading training systems, processes and infrastructure to assist in the personal and professional development of our employees," said Pat Boniwell, Byrnecut Australia Managing Director. "This in turn ensures that we are providing the safest and most productive work places for employees and our clients." Supporting the technology integration is a global best practice training process. It blends eLearning, classroom and simulator training to optimize the learning process for both new hire and experienced equipment operators. "Our approach is carefully considered to provide valuable feedback and targeted training to address the impacts of performance variability on our business," said Dave Kilkenny, Byrnecut Project Manager.  

By | 2019-10-08T19:09:38+00:00 October 8th, 2019|
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Alcoa to use VR training at its Australian alumina refineries

  Aluminium producers Alcoa will use virtual reality to prepare staff for high-risk tasks at its alumina refineries in Western Australia. The company has developed a training module, with a replica of one of Alcoa's refinery sub-stations, to simulate how to safely isolate electrical switches to avoid arc flash incidents. “With safety being our top priority, this training allows our employees to experience high-risk hazards and the steps to mitigate them in a safe environment, so they can take what they have learned back to their workplace," Alcoa’s Pinjarra Refinery Manager, Mark Hodgson said. Alcoa said VR training provided a learning retention rate of 75 per cent. Standard computer-based point-and-click training was 20 per cent, it added. Personnel at Alcoa’s global refining operations will also get to benefit from this training starting from October. Alcoa said it was working on using VR training for high-voltage isolation and other high-risk tasks. Alcoa Australia represent one of the world’s largest integrated bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminium smelting systems.

By | 2019-09-26T12:11:31+00:00 September 26th, 2019|
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MASA Group to showcase its AI-based M&S software

  Training and simulation specialists, MASA Group will showcase its AI-based Modeling & Simulation (M&S) software and expertise for the defence market at a range of upcoming events. MASA will exhibit SYNERGY & XVR at Congrès National des Sapeurs-Pompiers (exhibition for Firefighters) during September 18-21 in Vannes, France. Strategic partner XVR is a leading supplier of first responder training solutions. MASA is becoming more active in the delivery of civil forces preparedness in France. The event will be held to gather clients and prospects to discuss how XVR is being used by safety organizations. The company will showcase SWORD on the CEISIM (Centre d'Expertise de l'Infovalorisation et de la SIMulation) booth during the NATO Computer Assisted Exercise (CAX) forum. Together with Nexter, MASA will also sponsor the event which takes place from Sept. 24-26 in Paris. MASA will use Milipol to cement its position in the homeland safety and security market. The company delivers six programmes in this sector globally. Milipol will take place on November 19-22 in Paris. The year will conclude with the annual I/ITSEC exhibition and conference in Orlando, USA, where MASA will exhibit its AI-based M&S software and full suite of training and simulation capabilities.

By | 2019-09-17T11:45:12+00:00 September 17th, 2019|
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Construction sector in New Zealand looks to VR for training

In a bid to boost training and employment opportunities, the construction sector in New Zealand is using VR technology. The Ministry of Social Development has partnered with Joy Business Academy (JBA) to develop the Skills for Industry Virtual Reality Training and Employment Tool. Its aim is to improve job opportunities and help employers in the construction sector, upskilling people anytime and anywhere. "Jobseekers can try out tasks like driving a dump truck by using the virtual headset," said Minister for Social Development Hon Carmel Sepuloni. "They can make an informed decision about whether it’s a job they’ll like to pursue before going on expensive training courses. These tools also work well for some people where mainstream education doesn’t, particularly for those with limited literacy and numeracy skills." Minister for Employment Hon Willie Jackson said the tools would appeal to young people. "Three-quarters of the construction workforce are millennials, so it’s important to find tools they relate to," he said. "Virtual reality is their thing. It’s about getting people into work. It matches people who need work with employers who need staff." Construction sector in New Zealand JBA founder and CEO James Coddington said education has been evolving beyond the classroom whiteboard [...]

By | 2019-09-12T12:47:00+00:00 September 12th, 2019|
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RGU brings world-first decom simulator to SPE Offshore Europe

  Visitors to this week's SPE Offshore Europe can try out a suite of simulators, including the DRILLSIM:5000 Decom Simulator. The DRILLSIM:5000, and the associated software which it runs, is a world-first. It supports decommissioning activities in the UK from its home at Robert Green University in Aberdeen, Scotland. A collaboration between RGU, OGTC, KCA Deutag and Drilling Systems, the simulator focuses on well-plugging and abandonment (P&A). Delegates to the Scottish show will be able to test their skills on the simulator, which is currently supporting oil and gas operators and service companies with the planning and preparation for well P&A, in a similar way pilots get trained and tested on flight simulators. RGU’s Drilling Simulation Manager Phil Hassard will man the kit at SPE. He said it was a unique opportunity to experience an "extremely sophisticated piece of kit.". “Since we launched the simulator at the end of 2017, we have been able to support the industry by enhancing the safety, improving the efficiency and reducing the cost associated with decommissioning oil and gas wells.” As well as the DRILLSIM:5000, there will be the opportunity to try out two other simulators. On-The-Rig (OTR) is a portable simulator which brings [...]

By | 2019-09-04T13:47:23+00:00 September 4th, 2019|
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BHP miners trial virtual reality trainer

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance is trialing the use of virtual reality headsets to prepare miners for life underground at its Broadmeadow Mine in Queensland, Australia. The technology allows miners to enter a safe, simulated Broadmeadow Mine and test their responses to hazards. "Virtual reality will revolutionize the way underground miners are taught about safety," said Nathan Parsons, Manager for Special Projects at Broadmeadow Mine. "Up until now, the only way you could truly understand what you're being taught is to actually experience it. Now, we can recreate real scenarios and put people in an immersive environment where they can learn hands on." Parsons helped develop the program over the last 18 months. It allows users the option to be a shearer or  chock operator.  Virtual reality David Thorpe, a longwall operator for more than 10 years, said the technology would benefit even the most experienced operators. "This simulation is the best I've seen with everything looking exactly as it does underground” said Thorpe, who aided development. The only difference were the colours, he added. Adding to the experience, the virtual reality technology allows users to move into hazardous zones you normally couldn't access. This makes for a more holistic training experience [...]

By | 2019-08-29T14:53:47+00:00 August 29th, 2019|
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Bublar Group to provide fire fighting simulator for Norwegian Railway Operator

Vobling AB have agreed a deal to develop a VR fire fighting simulator for Nordic railway operator, Vy. The simulator will be run with HTC Vive Pro Eye and be used for staff training. "The VR-technology gives as an extraordinary way to simulate different scenarios and train our personnel in a safe and scalable environment," said Ole Johnny Haugen, Head of Development at Vy Competence Center. "The training system will use object tracking and replicate fire, smoke, oxygen- and temperature levels in a realistic fashion which gives a new and powerful tool in our safety training procedures. The end game for this application is about saving lives." Vy changed its name from NSB Group in April and runs rail, bus and freight services in Norway and Sweden. Vobling AB is a subsidiary of Bublar Group, the Nordic region's largest gaming studio and enterprise solutions company. Anders Ribbing, CEO of Vobling AB, said: "We are really excited about this project. "During the last couple of years we've developed state of the art virtual training and education applications targeting staff. The Fire Fighting simulator is a natural extension in line with our strategy and it's very exciting that we are broadening our [...]

By | 2019-08-21T12:53:46+00:00 August 21st, 2019|
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VR training comes aboard for Dubai bus drivers

  Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is introducing VR training for its bus drivers, the first Middle East government entity to do so. The RTA said VR technology was being integrated to improve driver standards and provide a better customer service. "RTA will use VR technology in basic and follow-up training courses," said Abdullah Al Meer, Director of Drivers Affairs at RTA’s Public Transport Agency. "It will also be part of the rehabilitation process of drivers involved in traffic accidents and responding to customer complaints. "Public Transport Agency is keen on improving the training environment through using cutting-edge technologies and top global practices in the training of passenger transport drivers." Al Meer said drivers would be exposed to different climate and road conditions, giving them greater experience at controlling buses and avoiding accidents. He added that the VR technology meant they could train more drivers at the same time. More than 350,000 people travel on buses each day, say the RTA. The body has 1,518 buses in its fleet.

By | 2019-08-14T10:03:40+00:00 August 14th, 2019|
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AR training programme arrives at new London station

Staff at a new HS2 and Crossrail train station will undergo an AR training programme to prepare them for life at what is expected to be one of London's busiest interchanges. Old Oak Common station in west London, which is expected to serve around 275,000 passengers every day when it opens in 2026, will be created in AR so that staff can familiarize themselves with its inner workings. "The challenge is that Old Oak Common station hasn’t been built yet. So to train the station’s entirely new workforce with the skills and knowledge they will need we must innovate," said HS2 Ltd’s Stations Director, Mike Luddy. "Through this project, which is supported by Innovate UK and the DfT, we’re harnessing the power of digital technology to build Old Oak Common in augmented reality." The AR training programme is geared towards customer service and helping staff become more familiar with maintenance and safety protocols. It is also hoped staff who have completed the course can relay any design issues that can be tackled during the building phase in order to avoid costly changes once the station is opened to the public. The project is being conducted in collaboration with the National [...]

By | 2019-08-13T11:39:59+00:00 August 13th, 2019|
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