VR company at the Hub breaks new ground in the development of industrial skills

AngloGold-Ashanti - Mud-rush simulator Mines are potentially hazardous working environments and consequently, large resources are put into safety awareness and training. This simulation consists of a chute, rail line and work platform (safety area) and shows workers the importance of staying well clear of the chute when blockages occur. It demonstrates to the operator of the stope chute that he is safer on the structure platform, and should jump off should a "mud rush" occur. The user is able to 'drag-and-drop' a number of workers into the scene - thus allowing him or her to set up any potential scenario - and show the consequences of bad practice. Department of Labour & National Skills Fund - Lathes & Milling Machines This "cutting-edge" simulation provides learners with realistic, hands-on exposure to lathes and milling machine equipment, shows the student how to perform a number of tasks, allows them to do it themselves (and make mistakes) as well as a self-assessment exercise. lt also looks at safety in the workshop as well as a number of commonly used tools.

Historically, language and literacy have been impediments to skills development in an increasingly complex manufacturing environment. One of the innovative South African companies at The Innovation Hub is using cutting edge ICT technologies to overcome these constraints and break new ground in the field of industrial training.

The Naledi3d Factory (Pty) Ltd has developed the 3d-Trainer concept as a radically new approach to training. Using realistic interactive 3D imagery, based on Virtual Reality (VR), they are building visually interactive training modules to help address many aspects of industrial training in industry.

According to Managing Director Dave Lockwood, "With the 3d-Trainer a learner can interact on-screen with a realistic model of a particular machine, device, component, or part and be shown correct use, assembly or disassembly procedures. In terms of safe training, this is the best safety practice available".

A project recently modelled for a mining-house dealt with underground safety by "virtually" showing the dangers involved in clearing chute blockages. The model has generated significant excitement amongst users and management alike, and is already having a positive impact on safety awareness.

The most powerful aspect of 3d-Trainer, according to Lockwood, is its visual nature. Learners can "see and do" through an interactive learning mode that shows the consequences of making mistakes, albeit in a simulated environment. "Instead of teaching people in what is often their third or even fourth language, the 3d-Trainer's visual imagery overcomes language and even literacy barriers in a way that is non-threatening and easy to use", said Lockwood.

The Naledi3d Factory has also used a 3d-Trainer concept to demonstrate the principles of using lathe and milling machines.

Both these models are shifting the industrial training paradigm and heralding a refreshingly innovative approach to industrial skills and safety training.

3d-Trainer is a powerful new way to grow South Africa's industrial and trades skills base. It is based on realistic interactive 3d imagery and consists of one or more modules. A 3d-Trainer module is typically built to address one or several related training or learning concepts. The main power of 3d-Trainer lies in the fact that the learner can be SHOWN the correct process or best practice (as in the case of safety training for example) while also providing feedback during the learning process. Not only can the learner be shown, but they can also DO - and SEE the consequences of making mistakes in a safe, clean environment.

Features of 3d-Trainer include the fact that it is PC-based (and only mouse skills are required); it can support other training methods; can include self-assessment and progress monitoring options; is based on customizable content - which includes language, branding, text and audiovisual components and importantly, it allows the learner to determine his/her own pace of learning.

3d-Trainer can be effectively applied in the fields of Skills development (both technical and soft-skills); Adult-based Education and Training - ABET as well as Occupational Health and safety (OHS)

For further information contact Dave Lockwood at the Naledi3d Factory
Tel: +27 (0)12 844 1010
Cell: +27 (0)82 894 3178

[Back to top]

Next