Virtual reality simulators for rock engineering related training.

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has been investigated by SIMRAC and CSIR Miningtek as a means of providing an enhancement to current training methods that will lead to more effective hazard awareness training programmes. A VR training simulator developed under a previous SIMRAC project (SIMGEN 203) was used to evaluate VR as a training medium in comparison with a conventional mine training programme. Groups of trainees were separately evaluated after completing either a conventional training programme or an additional VR based training session. Results confirm findings of the previous SIMGEN 203 project in that the relevance, trainee comprehension and trainee recognition of images and objects in the VR simulator are at a high level. Trainees also voiced their preference for the VR medium over other training media, including video. A number of shortcomings in the standard video based approach are highlighted and suggest that opportunities exist for VR based approaches to provide improved methods of hazard awareness training. VR offers a more stimulating training approach whereby trainees actively participate in the learning process and the practical application of their knowledge can be evaluated in a safe environment. Virtual reality based training simulators are capable of providing relevant and improved training delivery in the mine training environment as an enhancement to current training methods.