When it comes to training military personnel virtually, there are a few things that are highly valued. Can training be done in a realistic, immersive environment? Is there a high training throughput? Does it ease the instructor load?
Extended reality (XR) has entered the military training space for numerous types of exercises. It has been used for flight, drone operation, negotiation, combat, medical, and more. It is a highly flexible style of training that, by definition, mixes the benefits of augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality into one package.
The unique thing about XR’s abilities is that it allows for trainees to interact with virtual objects placed into the real world. Passthrough and augmented reality have further developed to reduce the feeling of motion sickness or not being immersed due to an overly artificial CGI environment.
XR from a Military Perpective
A new survey conducted by HTC VIVE shows that military personnel have a positive view on XR – whether they have used the technology already or are planning to. The survey polled 400 military personnel. Here are some examples of the survey’s findings:
- 67% said XR training helps them prepare for stressful situations.
- 80% said XR enhances their education plans.
- 75% of the respondents who do not use XR plan to do so by 2028.
These recent statistics gathered in mid-2023 show positive perceptions as well as a good outlook for the future of XR. Simulated training in all forms has been popular for years, but the unique benefits from XR are noted for immersive combat training, technical training, and exercises (VIVE Business, 2023).
V-XR® – VirTra’s XR Solution
VirTra offered a glimpse of its newest technology at I/ITSEC 2023. The V-XR® is our most portable simulation tool, and its self-driven properties can relieve the instructor. Its unique use of volumetric capture allows humans to be captured as 3D characters, allowing for a more realistic appearance than what is provided by traditional CGI.
If you didn’t get a chance to receive a demonstration of this new system, you can schedule one by speaking with a specialist.
References:
Military survey: Vive Business. Military Survey | VIVE Business. (2023). https://go.vive.com/NAM-MIL-Survey-5832-PDF-LP.html?aliId=eyJpIjoibkhNSDZ1d0dRK1Z5M1VseiIsInQiOiJtb2JaZjEyR0d4R29VSE9JS25uMnlBPT0ifQ%253D%253D
During IACP, VirTra launched our first ever extended reality training solution – the V-XR®. On the show floor, product specialists took the time to gather opinions from those who received demonstrations of the new technology. More than anything, we value the thoughts of potential end-users and utilize this information to improve our products.
One of the individuals who tried on the headset and experienced the different modes of training was a law enforcement officer from Arizona. We would like to share their direct response when asked for their thoughts on the V-XR.
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“I recently had the opportunity to try a VirTra law enforcement-based virtual reality headset, and I must say it was a game-changer. The standout feature of this headset is the ability for the instructor to embody the “person” in front of the wearer, creating a truly immersive experience. It’s like having the instructor right there in the room, even though they are physically miles away.
What sets this headset apart is the freedom it offers. The simulated character can move, turn their head, and even follow the wearer as they explore the virtual environment. This level of interaction is a significant leap forward compared to other simulations.
The 360-degree experience of the virtual room adds another layer of realism. It’s as if you’re inside the scenario, not just watching it. Additionally, the headset’s design is thoughtful, allowing some ambient light to pass through, which can help prevent the dreaded “virtual reality sickness” for those who are prone to it.
Overall, this law enforcement-based virtual reality headset is a remarkable innovation. It combines immersion, interaction, and comfort, making it a valuable tool for training in the field of law enforcement. I was truly impressed with the experience it offers, and I can see it revolutionizing training in this industry.”
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We value any type of feedback – whether it is praise or critique – as it shows us where we are succeeding and where we need to take a step back. In this case, VirTra is quite humbled by this officer’s opinion on a brand-new product launched the same day as their demonstration.
The V-XR will be officially available for purchase in March 2024, but we are taking preorders and requests for demonstrations! You will get a chance to test out the V-XR for yourself at future events – such as I/ITSEC in Orlando, FL. See us there at Booth #641!
For more information, contact a specialist.
Extended reality (XR) may be a familiar term, but do you know what differentiates it from other computer-altered reality?
As this article describes it, XR refers to “all real-and-virtual environments generated by computer graphics and wearables” (Irvine, 2017). Basically, it is a mix of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). But what do all those terms mean?
Virtual Reality (VR) is the most used term and refers to all virtually immersive experiences, including 360 video or CGI. The environment is artificial – whether CGI or video – because the user is not actually physically present in what is being displayed. VirTra’s screened simulators also fall under the VR category as well as headset-based solutions.
Augmented Reality (AR) overlaps computer-generated content onto the real world. If you remember the “Pokémon Go” game craze several years ago, that is an example of AR – CGI characters displayed as if they are actually in the real world. You can interact with the displayed objects or characters, but they do not connect with their surroundings.
Mixed Reality (MR) is an overlay of content that interacts with objects in the real world. Like AR, it combines objects from the virtual and physical world. That is the crucial aspect that separates it from AR, where the characters displayed in the environment do not actually interact with their real-world surroundings.
The main difference between Extended Reality and Mixed Reality is that while Extended Reality incorporates all immersive technologies, Mixed Reality is a specific subset of XR that combines digital and real-world objects. In mixed reality, virtual objects are used to enhance the physical world as the user interacts with digital content while still being aware of their physical environment (Khilar, 2022)
V-XR® Extended Reality System
When going back to XR, an umbrella term that refers to the fusion of the three interactions, there is a clear reason why this method would be beneficial from a training standpoint.
In terms of VirTra’s training, XR made the most sense to delve into as it is all-encompassing. Not only does it provide a mix of VR, AR, and MR, but it allows for future expansion as technology becomes further refined. The goal is to provide first responders with realistic training that allows for seamless skill transfer.
VirTra’s V-XR® headset provides three modes of learning that incorporate all types of realities, including the mixing of synthetic and real settings.
The portable, lightweight characteristics make it ideal for smaller departments with limited space. It even accommodates agencies with a smaller number of staff, as there are segments that are self-driven. Most notably, the characters captured in the VirTra Volumetric Video (V3™) studio allow characters to be placed into any environment.
If you are interested in learning more about our newest training tool, contact a product specialist to get information.
References:
Irvine, K. (2020, September 14). XR: VR, AR, mr-what’s the difference? Viget https://www.viget.com/articles/xr-vr-ar-mr-whats-the-difference/
Khillar, S. (2022, May 10). Difference between extended reality and mixed reality. Difference Between. http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/difference-between-extended-reality-and-mixed-reality/
When it comes to policing, communication should not be overlooked as one of the primary training points officers must receive. The flexibility of simulation training can easily provide first responders with options for soft skills training.
You may know of VirTra as the pioneer of the 5-screen simulator. The company is once again venturing into new simulation territory as it has developed the V-XR® extended reality system. This solution stands out among other law enforcement training headsets due to its use of 3D characters. Instead of CGI generated images and characters, those used in V-XR scenarios are created with volumetric capture. This allows users to distinguish facial expressions and other non-verbal cues, plus eliminates the uncanny valley that other CGI-based headset solutions give users.
The primary focus of this new training is on communication, de-escalation, mental illness, situational awareness, community engagement, and autism awareness. All these topics are of great interest to law enforcement agencies around the country and can help both save lives and establish greater trust within their communities.
Educate, Experience, Engage
The V-XR utilizes three concepts of learning: Educate, Engage, and Experience. Each concept provides information on a topic for well-rounded training. In the end, the headset-based V-XR places officers into a realistic scenario to practice the skills they have learned.
“Education” provides officers and trainees with an enhanced lesson plan with voice, images, and videos. This style of explicit learning is far more immersing than textbook and lecture learning provided in a traditional classroom setting.
The next concept of training in the V-XR headset is the “Experience.” After learning from previous concepts, officers using the V-XR will participate in a scenario in a virtual V-300 with rounded screens. Crystal clear imagery and wraparound screens allow users to feel as if they are really part of the scenario being played before their eyes.
The final is “Engage,” where officers will interact with volumetric video characters right in front of them. Unlike CGI characters, you can see their facial expressions to determine if the subject may be prepared to attack or become aggressive. You can spot little details like whether someone has a gun hidden under their shirt. It is also possible to walk around them as if they are truly a person standing before you.
Learn More About Our Solutions
VirTra provides much more than just hardware. Our content is the heart of our training, which is why each scenario, volumetric character, and curriculum is extensively reviewed and tested by our subject matter experts.
The V-XR is available for pre-order and will be available March 2024. To learn more about our newest addition to the product line, contact a specialist.
CHANDLER, Ariz. — October 17, 2023 — VirTra, Inc. (Nasdaq: VTSI) (“VirTra” or the “Company”), a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators, firearms training simulators for the law enforcement and military markets, today officially launched its pioneering Extended Reality (XR) training system, V-XR®, at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference. VirTra has come full circle in its training capability by adding a comprehensive soft skills trainer that transcends boundaries, expanding VirTra’s impact beyond traditional law enforcement applications.
V-XR®, powered by VirTra’s innovative technology, revolutionizes training by bringing adaptive soft skills training to our traditional law enforcement and military clients as well as private security, hospital security, educational institutions, and criminal justice academies. The V-XR® is not a “shoot-don’t-shoot” marksmanship trainer. This transformative platform focuses on essential skills such as communication, de-escalation, and the recognition of mental health conditions, including autism spectrum disorders.
Additionally, V-XR® sets itself apart from other solutions through its flexible modes: Educate, Experience, and Engage. Each mode delivers transferable information on multiple topics for comprehensive training. “Educate” provides an enhanced lesson plan with voice, images, and videos. “Experience” allows users to participate in a scenario in a virtual V-300® on a curved screen. The final is “Engage,” which allows interaction with volumetric video characters.
Unlike traditional virtual reality solutions, V-XR® utilizes characters captured using VirTra’s pioneering volumetric studio, the V3™. With three-dimensional human characters, users can now discern nuanced facial expressions and subtle micro-cues that once eluded computer-generated imagery (CGI).
“The introduction of V-XR® marks a strategic leap forward for VirTra, reaffirming our position as leaders in the evolution of training methodologies,” said VirTra Chief Executive Officer John Givens. “This milestone extends beyond V-XR® itself – it encompasses the synergies it creates with our existing, screen-based simulators. This launch reinforces our dedication to innovation and excellence in training solutions. V-XR® enhances realism, integrates soft skills development, and diversifies training scenarios, providing a comprehensive and cost-effective training ecosystem that surpasses the expectations of our valued customers.”
VirTra’s new XR solution represents a true paradigm shift in training, offering flexibility, adaptability, and a small physical footprint to empower agencies and units of all sizes, providing a scalable, modular, and customizable platform that redefines the possibilities of training.
Discover the capabilities of V-XR® by visiting VirTra’s webpage at www.virtra.com/overview/v-xr.
About VirTra, Inc.
VirTra (Nasdaq: VTSI) is a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators, firearms training simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets. The company’s patented technologies, software, and scenarios provide intense training for de-escalation, judgmental use-of-force, marksmanship, and related training that mimics real-world situations. VirTra’s mission is to save and improve lives worldwide through practical and highly effective virtual reality and simulator technology. Learn more about the company at www.VirTra.com.
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