Virtual reality training services are rising in popularity and capabilities. A new study recently published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research tests the VirTra V-100 training simulator for use as a reliable way to track and improve shooting skills and decision-making during mission-critical moments. Here”s what you need to know.
VR Systems Are Nothing New for Training
The military and law enforcement have a long history of using VR training simulators. These devices provide the perfect way to familiarize personnel with specific tasks and scenarios. Notably, HTC Vive released a study showing that 80% of all active-duty military personnel have used some form of VR during their training. Here are the main uses for this tech today.
Specialized Training
Advanced VR systems can provide the perfect platform to train soldiers to operate advanced vehicles. Flight simulators are a prime example of how these systems are used to familiarize and train pilots. The Air Force has continually upgraded its flight simulator program to include fully immersive training facilities.
Using simulators to train pilots has many obvious benefits, including lower costs, less risk, and the ability to innovate without loss. Additionally, portable VR systems enable soldiers to train remotely and at any time. As such, these systems help reduce permission requirements and training costs.
Weapon Design and Testing
The military spends billions on weapon design and testing yearly. VR systems are being used to create new advanced weapons and test their durability and potential while reducing overhead. These systems enable manufacturers to gain information and weapon behavior data via immersive visuals. Additionally, new weapons can be tested in VR-simulated environments and improved further using machine learning algorithms.
Virtual Reality Remote Collaboration
The military uses VR to streamline collaborative efforts and improve communications capabilities. These systems can place people in the same room, even when they are thousands of miles apart, and allow everyone to share info and communicate freely using advanced interactive visuals.
New Approach to Virtual Reality Simulators
What makes this latest study from Ohio State University engineers different is that it’s the first time that simulators have been used to continually monitor and improve situational awareness and training for extended periods of time. In the past, these units were primarily used for the initial training, and then the real-world scenarios took over.
This latest approach seeks to make VR simulation a regular part of the training process. Using a small firearm and decision-making training simulator enables people to perfect their skills over time without the need for a massive training facility. The study’s goal was to see if using VR training actually improves users’ skills and how much and how quickly and what data can be extrapolated from the process.
VirTra V-100 Ballistics Simulator
The researchers selected the VirTra V-100 as the testing simulator for the study. The device is a reliable projector-based system that enables users to eliminate the need for clunky VR helmets. Instead, the visuals are projected on a large screen or wall, providing a more realistic field of view.
Library
The VirTra V-100 comes with a full library of training scenarios. There are weapons manipulation drills designed to teach trainees when to use deadly force. Additionally, there are marksmanship training simulations that help shooters improve their speed and accuracy. Notably, each scenario was filmed specifically for use with the simulator.
These scenarios leverage high-quality production to add to their realism. Additionally, all the training events are inspired by real scenarios, case law, and action reports. Users must react to these scenarios properly to achieve the desired result. As such, this tool provides a reliable way to reinforce training standards.
Virtual Reality Gun
The VirTra simulator supports a variety of standard-issue firearms found across the globe today. To use a weapon, users install special recoil kits. These devices are custom-built to provide the gun with accurate recoil based on its model. For this test, a standard M4 was chosen as the weapon.
Different than Predecessors
The VirTra V-100 has few improvements over its predecessors, which makes it the ideal choice for the study. For one, it has better resolution, ensuring the trainees feel the weight of the situation and must make split-second decisions under stress.
Additionally, the manufacturer has integrated short-throw projectors. These devices provide more vibrant images and can be placed much closer to the wall. The VirTra V-100 is the mid-range model the company offers with the V-300 being the top-of-the-line option.
Testing the Virtual Reality Simulator
The engineers recruited 30 people for the study. The test group included 24 men and six female shooters. Each shooter had a different experience level ranging from civilians, police, and ROTC cadets, all the way up to SWAT team members and elite military teams. In total, 30% of participants had some tactical training.
Notably, the researchers used a wide variety of shooters to ensure they could set a baseline performance measure for their study. Interestingly, each participant was given a single training session with the simulator before beginning the actual research test.
Virtual Reality Testing
The research testing began with each shooter conducting three identical simulations back to back. These tests determined the shooter’s accuracy, reaction times, and overall decision-making capabilities. After each testing phase, the subjects participated in a self-evaluation to determine if they improved and how they felt about the system.
Virtual Reality Shooting Precision Test
The marksmanship test required the user to shoot at a target 50x in a row. Each shot provided valuable data on the shooter’s precision. This data was then combined to create an accurate shooting record that measured their accuracy down to the closest millimeter.
Decision-Making
The next simulation tested the subject’s decision-making capabilities. This test used a target with specific shapes on it. The shooter needed to shoot specific targets within 2 seconds of the bell. This test helped researchers to track the participant’s ability to follow orders during intense and stressful events. Notably, each simulation unfolds based purely on the subject’s actions, making it the ideal method for capturing this metric.
Reaction Time
The last simulation tested the subject’s reaction time. This test involved shooting at plate targets downrange. The drill required the shooter to hit each target in sequential order from left to right. As such, the simulator recorded accuracy alongside the time it took to complete the task down to the millisecond.
Study Results
The results of the data were eye-opening. The study demonstrated that a massive amount of data could be extrapolated and used to improve performance from only a few simulations. Additionally, this data can be exported and further interpreted seamlessly.
The simulation data included information on 21 variables that helped researchers see what improvements the training made. Notably, test subjects became more relaxed and accurate by the third testing phase. When asked how they felt about their performance, the majority of test subjects replied that they felt more confident after using the situation.
Clear Improvement
The results demonstrate some clear benefits to the use of simulation for continuous training of defense forces. For one, it provides personnel with a reliable, portable, and affordable way to keep personnel sharp, mentally aware, and ready for actions.
Virtual Reality Standards
Another major benefit that the study brings to the market is the ability to create standards for virtual reality training simulations. Standardization will help to create a more effective and balanced training regime that can be used across forces.
Conduct New Research
Another major benefit of the study is that it shows how VR systems can be crucial for research. These systems replicate high-stress scenarios, which enable healthcare professionals to better understand the effect of these events on personnel. These systems provide direct access to real-time data that can be used to improve counseling, support, and healing services.
Notably, the US Department Of Defence issued a $10M grant designed to study the effects of nutritional ketosis on soldiers after experiencing life-and-death scenarios. In the past, these issues resulted in serious problems for personnel, including a loss of both cognitive and physical performance.
Test Current Training Methods
This report also highlights how VR systems are the perfect testing ground for new tactics. Trainees can put their skills and methods to the test across a variety of scenarios and see what options provide the best results based on vital data including projectile position, score, time, and more.
Companies that Can Benefit from this Study
The VR simulation manufacturing sector has seen some growth over the last five years. As more law enforcement and military groups seek out these services, their demand has created a vibrant market for providers. Here are a few VR simulation providers that could gain a lot from this report.
VirTra is the developer of the V-100 system that was used for the research study. VirTra Inc. is a premier manufacturer of judgmental use of force and firearms training systems with V-100 being its most popular offer. Notably, VirTra has secured Department of Defense (DoD) funding, making it a project to watch.
The VirTra product suite includes some of the most effective training tools available today. The study’s results will help to bolster awareness of these devices and how they can effectively improve and test current training options As such, analysts predict an uptick in stock demand.
The advanced tech manufacturer Nvidia is best known for its graphic cards that power today’s most advanced games. Most people are surprised to learn that Nvidia is a global leader in AI and VR systems. As such, the firm continues to secure more government contracts to integrate its services when it can enhance performance.
Nvidia’s positioning in the market and robust partnerships make it a great addition to any portfolio. The stock has a market cap of +$1.2 trillion and has been rated as “hold” by analysts. Additionally, the firm has demonstrated a variety of advanced tech in the pipeline. These systems, such as advanced AI algorithms, should bolster NVDA stocks further.
Future of Virtual Reality Simulations
There is a clear demand for more VR judgmental use of force simulators in the market. These tools could help reduce the amount of accidental or mishandled scenarios that result in the use of deadly force. As such, the community feels an urgency to get these tools in the hands of the nation’s defenders ASAP.
Future VR systems will include a wider field of vision and touch-responsive sensors. Already, the V-300 offered by VirTra provides a 300-degree field of view and real-time responses based on the shooter’s reactions. The next system could provide full 360-degree immersion with life-like graphics on another level compared to today’s offerings.
Researchers
The study was conducted at The Ohio State University research facilities. The paper was led by Alex Buga and included participation from Christopher Crabtree, Justen Stoner, Lucas Arce, Xavier El-Shazly, William Kraemer, Madison Kackley, Teryn Sapper, John Paul Anders, and Drew Decker. Now, the team will continue to review the data and expand their efforts to create better training options for life-and-death scenarios.
Virtual Reality will be the Primary Way to Train in the Future
The lower cost and ability to create nearly any scenario, including replicating past events to see how different actions could have saved lives, is a major upgrade to the current methods in use today. Consequently, there will be more VR training for soldiers and law enforcement to help improve their capabilities in the future. For now, virtual reality provides the best option to keep defense forces sharp.
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