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Speakers of the calibre of David Knoff, the expedition leader stranded with his team in Antarctic during COVID, can regularly be heard at this global institution that places a premium on knowledge, not qualifications.
Thinking forward – Virtual reality and the metaverse
Komatsu Australia, the global manufacturer and distributor of earthmoving equipment has taken a step into the future by embracing virtual reality (VR) technology to help train and upskill their staff.
The company has called upon Brisbane-based virtual reality scale-up, Next World Enterprises, to train and upskill their RTO’s in line with the global movement towards more effective technology, as they drive towards their goal of zero harm.
The company’s history stretches back to 1921 in Komatsu City, Japan, where it has spent the last 100 years dedicated to its founding principles of quality first, technology and manufacturing innovation, global reach and people development.
The Komatsu Virtual Reality (VR) Simulator is its new technology simulation that combines online training with realistic machine controls. Designed to deliver effective and efficient hands-on training for operators to develop, practice and assess their skills in an engaging simulated work environment.
The simulators are mobile and easy to setup, including a fully programmed training module with real-time feedback and scoring. According to the company website, training modules include:
- Manual Handling
- Hazard ID
- Excavator Safety
- Fire Hazards
- Fire Extinguisher Skills
- Working at Heights
- Confined Space Entry
- Chainsaw Safety
- Working around Forklifts
The 3D virtual environment gives an unparalleled level of visibility and retention and the real machine controls giving operators experience of the true look and feel.
According to the company, it has commissioned “Next World to deliver virtual reality training platforms and headsets to help induct new apprentices, Komatsu has turned to the Queensland scale-up making waves in the industry for their VR technology – improving outdated styles of learning, such as ineffective old-school quizzes and PowerPoints with low knowledge retention rates.
With the ability to superimpose dangerous work instances, crisis situations and health and safety training into the headsets, Next World provides the opportunity for high-risk industry workers to experience a situation and learn about the potential dangers, then return home safely to their family.”
Immersive technologies give a clear advantage to manufacturers and distributors of supply chains as they enable more efficient and effective product testing, training, data handling and risk management. All in one simulation via immersive technology. These new technologies also help develop new products and procedures using VR simulation while at the same time reducing risk, and production development time.
