AR/VR Simulator to Train Plant Personnel

Honeywell has added a cloud-based simulation tool that uses a combination of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to train plant personnel on critical industrial work activities.  The tool, Honeywell Connected Plant Skills Insight Immersive Competency, is suited to bring new industrial workers up to speed quickly by enhancing training and delivering it in contemporary ways.

The training solution combines mixed reality with data analytics to create an interactive environment for on-the-job training. It uses Microsoft’s HoloLens, a self-contained holographic computer, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets to simulate various scenarios for the company’s C300 controller-such as primary failure and switchovers, cable, and power supply failure-that train and test personnel on their skills.

"Megatrends such as the aging workforce are putting increased pressure on industrial companies and their training programs," said Youssef Mestari, program director, Honeywell Connected Plant, in a company press release. "There is a need for more creative and effective training delivered through contemporary methods, such as Immersive Competency, ultimately empowering industrial workers to directly improve plant performance, uptime, reliability, and safety."

Simulating specific job activities through virtual environments, which are accessed through the cloud, the company's solution offers a natural way to interact and communicate with peers or a trainer. According to the company, trainees can safely experience the impacts of their decisions, similar to a flight simulator. This approach improves skill retention versus traditional training methods by up to 100% and reduces the length of technical training by up to 66%, as stated by the company. Additionally, the employees' training progress is tracked as part of a formal competency management system. 

Source: Honeywell