Virtual Reality Training offers several advantages over traditional methods, making it a compelling choice for various applications

Employee training is essential for understanding the key mechanisms of their roles. Effective training not only improves job performance but also boosts profit margins while enhancing both employee and customer satisfaction. However, traditional training methods often face challenges that immersive VR training can effectively address.

The first issue with traditional training is its often high cost, which includes expenses for travel, materials, and the necessity of physical presence, among other factors. Immersive training can drastically lower these expenses by enabling remote access to training sessions. Research shows that using VR for large group training can be up to 52% cheaper than traditional methods.

Another challenge is time constraints. In fast-paced manufacturing environments, there’s limited time for training. VR training accelerates learning – studies indicate that employees trained in immersive VR complete tasks up to 40% faster compared to conventional approaches. This increased efficiency is crucial for meeting production timelines.

Safety is another concern. Training in hazardous environments carries inherent risks, and VR training allows employees to train safely by simulating real-world conditions without exposing them to actual dangers. For example, they can practice emergency procedures or equipment handling in a controlled, risk-free virtual space.

Engagement and retention also pose challenges. Traditional methods like lectures and manuals are less effective at engaging learners. VR and MR, by creating immersive and interactive experiences, boost engagement and significantly improve knowledge retention.

Many companies have already adopted immersive VR training

Many companies are already addressing these challenges by incorporating VR into their employee training programs. For instance, Boeing, one of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers, has adopted VR to tackle issues such as high training costs, dependency on physical prototypes, and safety risks associated with complex aircraft assembly and maintenance.

To overcome these issues, Boeing implemented VR training programs that simulate 1:1 scale aircraft models, allowing employees to practice assembly, maintenance, and safety protocols in a controlled virtual environment. This approach led to a 40% reduction in assembly errors, a 30% decrease in assembly time, and a 25% drop in workplace accidents, demonstrating the effectiveness of VR in enhancing efficiency, safety, and skill development.

Another instance is Komatsu, a global leader in construction and mining. Komatsu struggled with outdated training methods that led to low engagement and retention, as well as a need to enhance safety training for their zero-harm policy.

To resolve this, they adopted a VR training solution using PICO Neo 3 headsets, offering immersive safety courses and integrated analytics via a Learning Management System. This scalable approach trained 3,000 employees annually with just 22 headsets and 6 trainers, achieving a 93% learner satisfaction rate, improved engagement, and flexibility for remote training, maximizing ROI and learning effectiveness.

How to Implement VR Training in Your Company

Virtual Reality training has the potential to significantly enhance training conditions while saving time, money, and resources. But how can you implement it effectively? What should you prioritize? Let’s take a closer look.

Start by assessing your company’s training needs. Focus on areas where VR training can deliver the most value – complex skill-based tasks, hazardous environments, or hands-on scenarios like manufacturing or technical repair. This targeted approach ensures your investment addresses the most critical challenges.

Selecting the appropriate hardware and software is vital. Decide between a fully virtual environment or Mixed Reality, depending on your training objectives. Ensure your tools are compatible and capable of meeting your goals to maximize effectiveness.

The Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise is a great choice for manufacturing companies seeking a mixed-reality headset for VR and MR training solutions. The high-resolution 4K+ display ensures sharp, detailed visuals for complex industrial training scenarios. Advanced inside-out tracking and gesture recognition allows for precise interaction with both virtual content and physical environments.

On the other hand, if you plan training only in VR and focus on the greatest possible cost optimization you should consider the Pico G3 headset. It is designed to offer a low-cost solution for organizations looking to scale VR training programs without breaking the budget. Compared to Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise, it offers competitive pricing by costing half of its price which makes it especially attractive for businesses looking to deploy multiple units across large teams or training groups.

Pico G3 does not support mixed reality applications and has a lower display resolution. However it is still acceptable quality for most of the training use cases, the battery lasts up to 2 hours and includes all enterprise features as Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise.

When it comes to software, you have three options:

You can use ready-made VR training apps. There are plenty of already-created VR & MR training solutions. Kognita offers more than 40 VR & MR training applications. In our portfolio you can find:

• VirtualSpeech – Allows users to build soft skills in VR environments like conference halls and meeting rooms. Trainees practice challenging situations, including sales presentations, negotiations, and interviews. Feedback covers pace, filler words, eye contact, and more.
• 4help VR – Covers first aid training, system component familiarization, fire extinguishing simulations, evacuation drills, and occupational health and safety training.
• Baker Scaffolds Montage Training – Provides step-by-step guidance through scaffold setup, from assembling the base to securing each level. Trainees practice virtually, receiving feedback and safety reminders throughout the process.
• Trenching and Excavation Safety – Guides trainees in identifying hazards, using protective equipment, inspecting trench integrity, and understanding support systems. Covers common risks such as cave-ins and falls, while teaching proper setup and inspection of protective measures.
• Electrical Safety Training – Trains users to identify electrical hazards, perform lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, work with PPE, and follow safe handling and troubleshooting protocols. Includes realistic scenarios featuring various electrical equipment to simulate real-world conditions.

Alternatively, you can create custom training programs using specialized platforms. One such platform is 3D Frame which allows you to create your own training programs based on CAD, BIM files, or 3D models you already have inside your organization. 3D Frame has AI features built inside the platform which allows you to have an AI assistant helping your employees through the whole VR learning process.

Kognita is an official distributor of the 3D Frame platform. Besides providing 3D Frame at the same official price as a software producer we also offer support in implementing this software and guiding you through its use

If the training-creation platform won’t have the required features or there is any other business or technical reason your company needs a custom training solutions just let us know. Kognita also offers a development service to build a VR or MR training app from scratch.

Once you’ve identified where VR training fits best in your company and selected the appropriate hardware and software, start with pilot projects. Focus on departments with clear, measurable KPIs – such as reducing errors or speeding up onboarding – to assess effectiveness before scaling up.

What should you prioritize when implementing Mixed Reality Training?

First and foremost, companies should not see implementing Immersive VR technology as just a technical upgrade. It’s an investment aimed at addressing specific challenges within the organization. Issues like lengthy employee training cycles, high error rates, and worker safety can be significantly improved with MR training. However, successful implementation requires a clear understanding of where traditional training methods fall short and how MR can deliver measurable improvements in these areas.

Equally important is ensuring that the content of VR training is relevant, realistic, and tailored to the company’s specific operations. Mixed Reality enables highly interactive, scenario-based learning, allowing employees to practice real-world tasks without the risks or high costs. By accurately reflecting actual work environments and procedures, MR training not only improves skill acquisition but also enhances safety, preparing workers for complex or hazardous situations. However, the success of this approach still heavily depends on selecting the right software and hardware.

Another key factor is ensuring the software used for VR training is user-friendly. Immersive training can be overwhelming, especially for employees less familiar with digital tools. It’s important not to throw people in at the deep end. Companies should prioritize software with intuitive mechanics and provide introductory lessons, demonstrations, and clear guidelines. This approach will help employees become comfortable with the technology, leading to higher adoption rates and greater overall effectiveness.

In the end, remember – it is a wise approach to consider the possibility of implementing VR and MR in other areas of your company. The word “consider” is key here – experimenting can be beneficial, but trying to implement it everywhere without a purpose is not a good idea. First, identify where Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality can be effectively utilized in other sectors, conduct thorough research, and only then proceed with pilot projects.