Fleet Live: Anglian Water to begin safer driver training with virtual reality

Anglian Water will work with EDG-VR to create bespoke virtual reality training packages.

The new training portal will be used for a number of health and safety related training programmes, including safe driving.

Visitors to Fleet Live, at the Birmingham NEC on October 9-10, can try the virtual reality training system out at the Future Zone.

EDG-VR is part of Education Group, which is the market leader in school workshops and currently works in more than 20,000 schools in the UK, Australia and the US. EDG-VR initially developed a VR system to work in schools offering Aboriginal Australia, Space and Anti-bullying workshops.  It has recently moved into the training sector.

Anglian Water and its partners have explored the potential of Virtual Reality training in the workplace for more than a year.

EDG-VR has developed a robust hardware solution and a stable software platform to meet the rigours of working in schools. It works with 200 students in each school per day and often more than 50 schools per day.

Its solution is a networked VR system that supports up to 35 users per session. Itincorporates bespoke 360-degree photos, videos, CGI features and interactive platforms.

The system is fully mobile and packs into two cases, so it is easy to transport. Training sessions can be held within the workplace.

A key feature of the system is it provides real-time feedback on each person to enable assessment of progress and training needs. The scoring platform will form the focus for further personalised training. The VR training will complement, not replace, physical onsite training. It will enhance the user experience of training and engage with staff in a way that encourages behavioural change.

There is a wide scope to build a networked training portal that can be used when required. Some of the scenarios being developed include: safe driving, safe excavations, NRSWA, working at height and customer service.

Partners in the project include Licence Bureau, Tesco,  Clancy Docwra, Kier, Morrisons, Barhale and the @one alliance.