Top 6 VR Maintenance Training Use Cases

Virtual Reality has completely revolutionised the way maintenance training is delivered. By giving employees a realistic and immersive experience, virtual reality technology improves training outcomes and lowers the possibility of mistakes and mishaps at work. 

Before trying maintenance activities in an actual workplace, personnel can practise them in a safe and controlled environment by replicating real-world conditions.

According to PWC, 47% of industries are using virtual reality for maintenance training.

Virtual reality (VR) can make training more engaging and motivational by enabling workers to interact authentically and effectively with virtual items and equipment. 

Additionally, this can help in increasing retention of the material being taught. Employees can engage in interactive VR simulations that closely resemble the real-world scenarios they will face at work. 

This can improve job performance by enabling a deeper comprehension of the task. Virtual reality technology also makes training more accessible by allowing employees to practise jobs virtually at any time and from any location.

With our virtual reality simulation and immersive 3D gamification experience, Virtual Reality Company Twin Reaity are revolutionising industrial training. We’re here to turn your next-generation training ideas into reality.

Research and Markets projects that the VR-powered maintenance and repair market will grow from $403.3 million in 2018 to $3319 million by 2024. 

In this blog, we will explore various VR maintenance training use cases that have successfully revolutionised maintenance activities across different industries.

 

1. DHL: Vision Picking In Logistics

Through a pilot project, DHL, a well-known transportation company, has shown how useful AR/VR technology can be for maintenance training. To help its warehouse workers with the picking process, the company developed a virtual reality training session. The process was made more effective and efficient by replacing the manual scanners and paper pick lists with this creative method.
Additionally, DHL warehouse workers could access guided information for picking by wearing virtual reality glasses. This pilot programme had remarkable results, including a 25% improvement in performance during the selection process. Employees at the warehouse were able to choose orders more successfully and effectively as a result.

2. Boeing : Virtual Reality Training in Design and Manufacturing

Boeing is now testing the Extended Reality Learning Framework or XRLF. It is a virtual maintenance training programme that is a cloud-based AME training solution. The company prioritises content reuse. The architecture of its Extended Reality Learning Framework (XRLF) permits the reuse of assets in a wide range of distribution methods.

XRLF is connected to Microsim, Boeing’s virtual maintenance trainer (VMT). Microsim, aimed at tablets and laptops, is available for clients to license at the company’s training centres. It does not necessitate the use of a server.

Boeing has some proof-of-concepts for streaming. The organisation would have the scalability, reach, and capacity to reach a large number of users and endpoints using a cloud-based solution. It is anticipated to see hosted streaming applications in two to three years.

3. Airbus : Virtual Maintenance Training

In order to minimise the need for specialised aircraft for training, Airbus is training its crew members via a virtual maintenance trainer powered by CAE. 

In order to support its clients, Airbus offers VR maintenance and structure training services which is a significant application of VR industrial training

These services range from the creation of an upstream suitable course for aspiring maintenance technicians and engineers to training specific to aircraft types and the ongoing or ongoing education of seasoned mechanics. 

A stand-alone 3D virtual solution that was co-developed with Air France Industries KLM E&M is beneficial by training your base’s maintenance crew about engine run-up processes.

The company tailors its maintenance and structure training services to your needs and expectations by providing flexible, comprehensive, and tailor-made training solutions, whether in one of the Airbus training centres, on your premises with Airbus instructors, via remote training solutions, or through innovative training materials deployed at your base. 

4. UDC

Virtual reality maintenance training based on the L3Harris 737-800 model is used in the aviation programme at the University of DC Community College. This helps students learn about malfunctioning avionics, landing gear, hydraulics, and other issues in a safe setting.

Thanks to an internal funding source and grant, the University of D.C. Community College’s aviation programme has been operating an L3Harris 737-800 VMT since January.

The virtual aeroplane operates in the same manner as a real aeroplane. Students in the hydraulics class can observe the fluids’ motion. They are also able to observe the wider picture, such as how the landing gear’s hydraulic system functions. Students’ knowledge of aircraft systems is more in line with the demands of the industry today because they are studying them on a 737-800 VMT.

Pupils engage in interactive learning with an electronic copy of the handbook and the aircraft system. As instructed in the handbook, they can take out and replace components.

To demonstrate to students how an in-flight emergency seems to a pilot, the VMT can simulate a TCAS alert. Additionally, the VMT can mimic a TCAS failure in flight, which results in a fault code that can be troubleshooted.

5. Ge Aviation

GE Aviation is incorporating a learning management system with a virtual maintenance trainer into a training tech upgrade for its Customer Technical Education Centre.

At the Customer Technical Education Centre (CTEC), teachers use big interactive whiteboards called smart boards, while students are given tablets with materials in PDF format and the capability to modify PDFs. These can show virtual disassembly and reassembling models of engines.

To broadcast lessons to distant places, GE plans to launch a new learning management system that uses cloud delivery, along with an in-house VMT.

The Chief Engineer’s office at GE is utilising virtual reality (VR) for analysis in several of its cloud-based distribution systems, including GE App Dash; Siemens Teamcenter Visualisation Mockup; the HTC Vive headset; and F110 maintenance awareness, which offers 3D, immersive content for the F110 engine.

6. Magpie

A student performance tracker called Magpie was created by Charles River Analytics and DiSTI. It keeps an eye on how students behave, participate, and comprehend in a simulated, real-time setting.

The dynamic customisation of training to meet the needs of each individual is another trend. Under a contract with the Air Force Research Lab, Charles River Analytics (CRA) is working with DiSTI to build an intelligent VMT known as MAGPIE.

The intelligent component is the system’s capacity to keep an eye on students’ behaviour and adjust the way the course is taught dynamically based on how well they understand the subject.

The MAGPIE software can monitor a student’s progress by comparing their performance to a standard or standard set of steps. It can also identify problems and modify the scenario’s flow and content to better support the student. 

In order to make sure the foundational knowledge is covered, it can identify the gaps in a student’s knowledge and advance them through the curriculum.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, technology such as Virtual Reality is a real game changer for various industries. This improves the client experience, leaves little opportunity for error, saves time, and provides trainees with a much safer environment to learn, undertake maintenance, and support a variety of other opportunities. It is anticipated that most forward-thinking companies will rapidly use these technologies in order to keep on top of trends.

Deepshikha Mahapatra
Deepshikha Mahapatra
Deepshikha Mahapatra here, blending engineering precision with a fervor for writing. Dive into my blogs and find the magic of an engineer's touch in every word. My mission? To inspire and equip our future world-changers. A huge shoutout to Twin Reality Technologies for empowering my journey and sharpening my pen.