Using Hands in Virtual Reality – How VisionThree is Eliminating Controllers
VisionThree is using the latest technology to optimize Virtual Reality (VR) hardware to its greatest potential.
We’re creating VR solutions that effectively allow the user to interact with virtual objects with more natural, controller-free, gestures. Users are now able to see virtual representations of their own hands in the environment!
VisionThree recently had the opportunity to present our innovative VR maintenance training capabilities to an audience of U.S. Military officials. The distinguished audience, who have been early adopters of virtual training, were amazed by how seamlessly our VR solutions incorporated the user’s own hands instead of requiring the use of bulky controllers.
As the military has learned, the advantages of VR in training are vast. Current research shows that use of a VR-based training solution can change the paradigm from traditional passive learning to active learning models. Learners don’t always remember what they are told, but they almost always remember what they’ve done.
Imagine training your employees in a risk-free virtual environment. One where they are free to make and learn from mistakes without worrying about wasting company resources. They could instantly reset whatever skills they are trying to hone again and again until they have mastered them. This sort of repetition would not require more materials for practicing physical tasks. Additionally, an instructor presence is not required to demonstrate a specific skill again and again until no one had any further questions.
Virtual Training is rapidly becoming the new standard for boosting training retention rates and lowering training times and costs. Recent feedback indicates that our VR environment can:
- Create a more realistic/effective learning environment
- Increase training depth (more reps/sets available in a quicker time period)
- Allow for more natural interactions with the integration of the user’s hands, and eliminates any handicap due to knowledge of controller functionality
- Lower training costs (on-site training available)
- Eliminate need for a full-scale simulator (equipment costs are vastly improved)
- Provide distance learning opportunities (Portability and/or over networked lines)
Scientists have long predicted the value of VR in training. Studies about information retention conducted by the National Training Laboratories show the following statistics:
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Traditional, passive learning methods such as reading, listening to lectures, and watching instructional videos result in information retention of between five and 20 percent.
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Seeing a demonstration of a technique increases retention to 30 percent.
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Active learning—repetitively performing a technique or applying information—can increase retention to 75 percent.
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Having the opportunity to practice and make mistakes can increase retention to 90 percent.
We believe that Virtual Reality has endless possibilities in training. VisionThree has a number of VR projects in the pipeline already today. And we’re excited to see where these new developments take this powerful tool in the future!
