It’s not Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality, it’s Mixed Reality, and it’s like something out of science fiction!
Australian first responder training company Real Response has created the BlueRoom Simulator, a mixed reality system which allows army, air force and navy medics to learn how to use real medical equipment and navigate complex medical scenarios within a virtual environment.
BlueRoom Simulator utilises the latest mixed reality (MR) headset, the Varjo XR3, to allow defence force medics to enter a virtual environment where they can still use their hands and body to interact with real world objects in the environment.
Unlike virtual reality (VR), where controllers are required to interact with the digital world, MR allows users to enter the virtual world as themselves, and to practise physical and fine motor skills just as they would in the real world.
This is particularly useful in areas such as medicine, where medics need to physically practise , building muscle memory as they learn how to treat a patient in a range of austere environments from field operations, remote hospitals, helicopters, aircraft and onboard ships.
Benjamin Krynsk, Co-Founder of Real Response and a registered Paramedic said “BlueRoom reimagines the possibilities for simulation – a student can be placed into any environment and a trainer can manipulate the scene and adjust the patient’s condition all-while the student is performing interventions using their own hands with real equipment.”
“This is truly revolutionary!”, said Krynsk
The Blueroom Simulator allows medics to practise in high value / difficulty to access environments at a small fraction of the cost. Medics can insert an IV and draw up drugs in the back of a C130J Hercules as they fly across the Pacific Ocean, or insert a chest tube as they prepare to takeoff with a patient in the back of a Blackhawk UH-60.
The Blueroom Simulator was created with support from the Defence Innovation Hub, which invests in innovative technologies to enhance Defence capability and grow the Australian defence industry and innovation sector.
Solution Architect, Dale Linegar explains, “The Blueroom Simulator can also be used to solve a lot of the training problems industries such as mining and telecommunications have.”
“You can do practical, hands-on training in environments that might otherwise be dangerous, expensive or impractical, such as working at heights, or in confined spaces.” said Linegar
Real Response continues to work with the ADF to create new virtual environments where medics can practise their skills, but is also exploring other use cases for this cutting edge technology with a range of industries.
