HTC Vive partners with FreeRangeXR on Virtual Reality workplace safety training solution

In Virtual Reality News

July 15, 2020 – HTC Vive, in partnership with FreeRangeXR, has announced a new virtual reality workplace safety training solution. ElevateXR provides in-depth VR training modules focused on occupational hazards and safety protocols, which can serve as a foundation for employee development programs for businesses.

Offering three different hazard safety modules, ElevateXR features simulated real-world scenarios that test users’ knowledge of safety protocols in high-risk environments. Bundled with the Vive Focus Plus, HTC Vive’s enterprise-focused, all-in-one VR headset, the Vive Focus Plus ElevateXR Kit is available now in the US on Vive.com.

ElevateXR Modules

Created specifically for workplace training and safety, ElevateXR encourages safe workplace behaviors by engaging trainees in realistic environments. The solution helps to accelerate learning and comprehension of critical information, thus increasing the effectiveness of training programs and the safety of employees.

ElevateXR currently addresses three top workplace hazards: fall protection; lockout/tagout (LOTO), also known as the control of hazardous energy; and working in confined spaces. Each module contains three lessons that take users through the steps of navigating each workplace scenario, and also complement existing annual certification tests, further helping to reinforce the importance of proper on-the-job training.

• Fall Protection: Teaches trainees how to inspect proper and functional personal protective equipment (PPE) and distinguish safe anchor points and lifelines from unsafe ones, as well as allowing trainees to use best practices while working at height;
  
  
• Lockout/Tagout: A LOTO plan defines the necessary steps to disable equipment that could release hazardous energy. This module allows trainees to simulate the full LOTO procedure, from isolating energy and then repowering it again. It helps to reaffirm collaborative behaviors that ensure trainees can protect themselves and others in isolating potentially hazardous energy sources, including learning to inspect proper and functional PPE and identifying equipment that requires LOTO and those that do not;
  
  
• Confined Space Training: Reminds staff of the importance of situational awareness and environmental evaluation with simulated confined space scenarios. This module will familiarize workers on the use of necessary personal protective gear and tools such as radios, gas monitors, and air blowers.
  
  

“Virtual reality is changing the way we learn, including how companies and organizations train employees and reinforce safety protocols. We developed ElevateXR to provide an all-in-one training solution that allows trainees and employees to receive real-life safety training in VR, without real-life consequences,” said Dan O’Brien, HTC Global Head of Enterprise. “Effective in accelerating training around the top workplace hazards, ElevateXR saves firms time and money while equipping their employees with the knowledge they need to stay safe on the job.”

The ElevateXR solution comes bundled with the Vive Focus Plus, HTC’s professional-grade VR headset offering. The standalone device offers six degrees of freedom (6DoF) controls to allow for a more immersive experience for users. Furthermore, for ease of use and faster deployment, the customers can have the ElevateXR training application pre-installed on devices, and also receive Vive’s Business and Warranty Services.

For more information on ElevateXR, click here.

Image credit: HTC Vive

About the author

Sam Sprigg

Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.