Benjamin Pineros* describes how Deakin University has helped create a virtual reality trainer for firefighters.
Deakin University has partnered with tech company, Dimension Data to create a virtual reality (VR) trainer for firefighters.
Usually, firefighting training drills are expensive and dangerous.
On top of that, fire crisis scenarios are difficult to recreate, making most training exercises a far cry from what rescuers actually encounter in real life.
Not to mention setting up huge, controlled fires just for training purposes is not what we would normally call the most environmentally friendly of practices.
Designed and developed by James Mullins, a volunteer firefighter and Associate Professor at Deakin University, the VR training technology allows firefighters to safely hone their skills in scenarios limited only by the imagination.
The new FLAIM Trainer also dramatically reduces costs and lets rescuers face drills that are not constrained by community or environmental regulations.
The creators of FLAIM claim their VR experience is extremely realistic, with the immersive head-mounted display aided by a full body protective suit with a breathing apparatus kit.
The innovative system works with an HTC Vive VR headset, and the protective suit is configured to heat up to simulate a real fire.
Johannesburg-based tech company, Dimension Data and Deakin University partnered to integrate hitoe into the suit.
This is a highly conductive nanofiber fabric that allows the garment to be equipped with vital sign tracking capabilities.
Thanks to this technology, the suit can send electrocardiogram readings in real time for fitness analysis of trainees.
Director of Ventures at Deakin Research Innovations, Ken Mahon said the initiative would significantly boost the fitness and effectiveness of firefighters all around the world.
* Benjamin Pineros is a filmmaker and 3D artist. He tweets at @iampineros.
This article first appeared at www.techly.com.au.
