At a recent conference in London the audience of professional rail trainers were asked to raise their hands if they knew the difference between Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR). Of the 200 or so in the room, only 4 confirmed they did, which highlighted the need for clarification around these apps.

Virtual Reality replaces the trainee’s real world with a simulated one, putting them in an environment with no connection to their actual physical location. In the rail training these currently include traction, track, platform or in-cab environments.

Example of Virtual Reality Platform Environment used for Dispatch Training

Mixed Reality blends simulation with the trainees’ real world, so they can see and hear everything in their physical location and overlayed digital content such as model of traction, plant, couplers or train interiors.

Example of Mixed Reality CAF Class 197 Cab at AusRAIL

The technology has really advanced in the last few years, moving from expensive headsets tethered to PC’s and the need for dedicated space, to standalone headsets that are cheaper than many phones and can be used anywhere.

Content focussed on the real environment and the ability to introduce scenarios is enabling training designers to consider simulation for train, station and track crew where degraded or emergency procedures that are difficult, if not impossible, to simulate in real life can be easily replicated.

A good starting point when considering your use of VR and MR is understanding where each offer most benefit as as part of a training strategy

Benefits of VR and MR in Rail Training

VR enables consistent repeat practice of degraded and unexpected situations that train crew and station staff may seldom see in their working life, but must remain competent in. It allows trainers to introduce visual scenarios that help trainees accelerate their decision making process and subsequently reduce risk in the real world environment. Best suited applications include simulating emergency and safety procedures on platforms, track and onboard environments.

MR is ideally suited to training on plant, equipment and guidance on procedural regulations. It provides trainers with controllable 3D assets that can be visualised and explained to multiple trainees simultaneously in a safe classroom environment. Applications include, train and wagon inspections, braking/propulsion systems, coupling and rule book procedures.
Virtual and Mixed Reality now offers the rail industry a low cost solution for accelerating training, from practising complex procedures to simulating emergency platform scenarios. Feedback from early adopters in the UK such as @Transport for Wales and @Avanti West Coast, suggests that this will become an integral part of the industry’s blended rail training solution.