S10 VR
What is VR?
There is a scale from the real world to a fully digital world. With augmented reality (AR), something digital is placed on top of the real world. With virtual reality (VR), everything is digital.
Real world
Everything around you is real.
AR
Digital things on top of the real world.
MR
Mixed reality sits between AR and VR.
VR
A fully digital world.
In the session you use two tools:
VR headset
You are inside a virtual place. You stay seated while you look.
Merge Cube
You hold a virtual object in your hand.
Where is VR used?
Safety
Operators rehearse emergencies, for example in oil, gas and mining.
Science
You walk around inside a cell, a molecule or a body.
Education
Virtual field trips to places you cannot reach.
Digital twin
A virtual copy of real equipment, to inspect from a distance.
VR in your field
HLO
Practise before you pipette
You rehearse a procedure safely, as often as you like.
See the invisible
You walk around a molecule or a cell in 3D.
Hazard drills
Spills and emergencies without any real risk.
ELECTRO
Safe switching
You rehearse isolating and locking out equipment with no risk of shock.
Walk through a substation
You learn the layout before you visit the real site.
Digital twin
You inspect a virtual copy of real equipment from your desk.
VR safety
Stay seated
No standing and no walking.
Stop if you feel unwell
Dizzy, sick or a headache? Take the headset off.
Do not wave around
Keep your arms and legs still.
Speak up
Is it too much? Then it is OK to stop.
Use a spotter
Your partner keeps an eye on you.
Tell the trainer first
Do you have epilepsy, migraines or vertigo, or do you not feel well?
Turns are short: 2 to 3 minutes. VR is a tool, not a curriculum.
Experience, observe, apply
In the session you visit three stations:
Station 1: headset
You sit, with a spotter next to you.
Station 2: Merge Cube
You hold a virtual object and turn it.
Station 3: design a drill
You plan a 3-step VR training for your field.
Fill in the observe card during or after your turn. You find Station 3 below, for HLO and for ELECTRO.
VR observe card
Download WordI saw …
I felt …
I could use this for …
Station 3 (HLO): design a VR drill in 3 steps
Download WordScenario: a chemical spill in the lab.
Imagine a new student must learn this in VR before doing the real thing. What are the 3 steps?
| Step | What does the trainee do? | What does VR show? | If it goes wrong? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 |
Check your drill
- The 3 steps are in a safe, logical order.
- Each step is an action by the trainee, not an explanation.
- At least one wrong choice has a visible consequence.
Group name:
Writer:
Note: this is a simplified design exercise. The real procedure follows the PTC lab rules and the safety data sheet.
Station 3 (ELECTRO): design a VR drill in 3 steps
Download WordScenario: safely isolating a circuit before work.
Imagine a new student must learn this in VR before doing the real thing. What are the 3 steps?
| Step | What does the trainee do? | What does VR show? | If it goes wrong? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 |
Check your drill
- The 3 steps are in a safe, logical order.
- Each step is an action by the trainee, not an explanation.
- At least one wrong choice has a visible consequence.
Group name:
Writer:
Note: this is a simplified design exercise. Real isolation follows site rules and is carried out only by qualified people.
Prefer a Word file for Station 3? Download the template (.docx, Dutch and English).
Reflect
Discuss with your neighbour:
- What did VR do better than a textbook?
- What can VR never replace?
- Where would you want to use VR in your own studies?