Why VR is the Future of Industrial Learning
The adoption of immersive learning methodologies within industrial enterprises is a trending topic, as organisations explore how Virtual Reality (VR) can transform traditional training programs. But why is VR the go-to technology for industrial training, and why now? During the recent VR / AR Association (VRARA) Enterprise Forum, Mark Wenzowski discussed why immersive learning is poised to lead the future of industrial training. Below are the key takeaways from the event.
1. The technology is ready for widespread adoption
Previously, immersive technology was only accessible for high-end training, such as flight simulations. Today, VR is more accessible, regardless of an organisation's size. The market now offers a wide variety of devices, ranging from high-performance systems like CAVE and PowerWall, to head-mounted displays (HMDs) such as the Oculus Quest or HTC Vive. Early VR headsets were bulky and costly, but today's models are smaller, faster, and affordable.
Innovations in hand tracking and eye tracking are allowing users to interact more naturally within virtual environments, eliminating the need for gaming controllers. As a result, organisations adopting VR have seen improvements in training outcomes, while making these applications more accessible. A rapidly expanding ecosystem of companies offering complementary services has further accelerated VR adoption.
2. Hybrid and remote working are the new normal
The past few years have brought a dramatic shift toward hybrid and remote working models. With 74% of US companies either using or planning to implement hybrid work models, the demand for virtual collaboration is greater than ever. By conducting training in a virtual environment, geographical barriers are reduced, allowing for design reviews, layout planning, and prototyping to be done from anywhere.
3. The multiple benefits of immersive learning
When introducing new technologies or processes, organisations often face a "if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it" mentality. However, the benefits of immersive learning are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore:
- Time savings: A 2021 PWC study found that VR users complete training 4x faster than in traditional classroom settings and 1.5x faster than online training.
- Cost savings: VR training reduces travel expenses by enabling remote collaboration across multiple locations, and the scalable nature of VR means training can be repeated at a fraction of the cost.
- Increased engagement: Users are 3.75x more emotionally connected to the content when training in a virtual environment, enhancing both engagement and memory retention.
- Improved safety: For industries dealing with hazardous environments like wind turbines or submarines, VR offers a risk-free environment for employees to learn and repeat processes without physical danger.
- Enhanced data analysis: VR captures valuable data that can be used for real-time feedback and large-scale impact analysis, helping to prove ROI to stakeholders.
- Wider access to training: VR removes barriers like location or dangerous working environments, making training accessible to more people.
4. Early adopters of VR are seeing impressive ROI
Early studies into the ROI of VR training have shown promising results:
- 78% improvement in retention
- 40% faster knowledge acquisition
- 40% reduction in training costs
- 30% decrease in training time
VR excels at procedural training, allowing users to experiment, learn from mistakes, and develop muscle memory through repeated practice in a virtual setting. This not only enhances long-term recall but also reduces the cognitive load on learners.
5. Stay ahead of the competition
Now is the time to adopt VR training, as your competitors are likely already doing so. Many organisations hesitate to invest heavily upfront, but there are more manageable entry points. Using a crawl, walk, run approach, businesses can start small, build enthusiasm internally, and slowly scale up their VR initiatives.
It’s essential to have a well-thought-out adoption plan. Start by identifying a challenge and a solution, attaching KPIs and ROI targets to measure success. Engage key stakeholders early on and create roadmaps that ensure long-term success for your VR training initiatives. Whether you're at the proof of concept stage or looking for long-term ROI, demonstrating value early is crucial.
Conclusion: Getting started with VR training
While there are many factors to consider when determining if VR is right for your organisation, the process doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start small, simplify the approach, and let the benefits speak for themselves.
For more insights, you can watch Mark Wenzowski’s presentation at the VR / AR Association (VRARA) Enterprise Forum here.
Virtalis also recently hosted a VR Industry Meetup that highlighted the benefits of using VR for training and featured live demonstrations. You can access it here.