Using Virtual Reality (VR) for Training Scenarios

Interview conducted by Zoe PeterkinOct 30 2019

Please give us a quick introduction to RiVR.

Reality in Virtual Reality Limited (RIVR) is a developer of Virtual Reality (VR) assets in both photo-realistic and 360 video virtual reality experiences. We offer immersive training for all industries - scanning real-world environments using both our VRM (Virtual Reality Monitor) and our RiVR VR Simulation Engine to enable cutting edge training around the world.

With our simulation engine, we can capture any location and recreate it in photorealistic virtual reality. RiVR allows users to interact with and experience these worlds, enhancing the way humans learn.

RiVR's core team is made up of a mix of software engineers, video game developers, ex-service personnel, cinematographers, drone pilots, and artists, bringing a breadth of experience and knowledge to the development of our products and services.

Why did you decide to exhibit at Photonex Europe 2019?

We’ve always been interested in the show and would love to branch out into other industries, especially from a VR training aspect. Our products could be a vital tool for health and safety training within a laboratory, for example.

By coming to Photonex Europe, we are able to examine a different type of audience and demonstrate our products to new potential customers.

Can you tell us a bit about Roomscale VR and your 'Classroom in a Box' solution?

leungchopan / Shutterstock

Roomscale VR is used to create real-world environments that completely immerse the end-user in a virtual area. This allows them to move around in real-time and interact with various objects. It is ideal when training students for dangerous situations, as it removes the risk of injury.

Currently, to implement Roomscale VR, we use an omnidirectional HTC Vive Pro with a powerful computer or laptop. Gaming laptops will usually work in this case too. The video is filmed to a specific brief, which ensures a predetermined outcome.

The ‘classroom in a box’ is our RiVR Link solution. It is an immersive, synchronized VR training solution, an ideal tool for increasing knowledge retention across all industries. It is an interactive and engaging teaching tool for classroom education, using 360 video and images. It allows up to 64 simultaneously synched headsets and tablets, as well as enabling the presenter to draw in real-time within the headsets. Users can also upload their own video or photo content, as well as using our professional video services. Everything that you need for a VR classroom is included in this package.

How does using VR help to improve and develop training situations, particularly for hazardous roles?

As the training environments we provide are photo-realistic, the immersion for the student is almost instant. The process of acquiring knowledge, experience, and understanding throughout the experience is heightened. However, it continues to ensure that the training environments are not hazardous and meet health and safety requirements.

For example, the product can be used to train staff in the fire and rescue service without having to expose them to dangerous situations that could put their health at risk. Currently, RiVR's training scenes for these services are based on real-life controlled fires, originating from arson, electrical appliances, or other factors, such as fallen candles. The scene is recorded post-fire using laser-scans and photographs, and using 3D modeling, it becomes an interactive learning environment.

It can develop training situations because our environments are repeatable and changeable. We can create any environment to really push the trainee to the max. By using these products, the number of scenarios that trainees face can be increased.

In the future, what industries would RiVR want to branch into?

VR can be used in any industry. We could branch out anywhere, but personally, for us and with our background, we feel that training is where VR can really grow.

What makes RiVR and its solutions unique?

Not only can we create a real world, but we can also make it feel real. From the smallest of details to the most subliminal of acoustics, we make you feel like you’re there.

Our environments make you act and feel like you’re there, we see it with every demonstration, every training session, and at every show!

About Alex Harvey

Alex came to RiVR with significant understanding of the Games Industry, having worked for organisations such as CodeMasters, the BBC and the Ford Motor Company in videography and content creation.

He takes an active and future-facing role in the business, guiding the RiVR brand and online presence, as well as bringing a passion to the projects and our customers.