Virtual Reality Training for Firefighters with Intense Haptic Heat Vests

The use of VR in training has proven to be highly effective, particularly in the field of firefighting. HTC has recently advanced this technology by incorporating haptic heat vests for a more immersive training experience.

Despite being a dangerous profession, firefighting is essential for public safety. In a real emergency, even the smallest mistake can have fatal consequences, which is why firefighters undergo rigorous and frequent training to maintain their sharp skills.

Despite the potential dangers, training is still necessary. In order to ensure safety and affordability, HTC has developed a virtual reality fire safety program.

A writer from UploadVR recounts their trip to the Fire Service College in the UK, where they were given the opportunity to participate in various training exercises. One of these exercises included examining the origins of a kitchen fire.

The next encounter utilized an exceptional piece of gear. The FLAIM Trainer haptic vest was specifically crafted to enhance the sense of realism by reproducing heat sensations when approaching a virtual heat source.

The majority of haptic equipment, such as haptic vests created by companies like OWO, attempt to replicate the feeling of being struck by a bullet or sword. In contrast, the FLAIM vest offers a genuine sense of warmth.

UploadVR journalist Henry Stockdale detailed the experience, explaining that even on the lower heat settings, he could sense the warmth and effectively communicate the danger without the concern of inhaling toxic smoke.

The haptic vest comes with a fire hose attachment that mimics the function of a real fire hose. It is equipped with a twisting nozzle for different spray options and a handle for controlling water flow. Additionally, the hose provides force feedback to simulate the sensation of the water’s recoil when extinguishing fires.

The HTC Vive Pro was utilized for the virtual firefighting training. Despite being a slightly older headset, it offers valuable features for training purposes, including high visual fidelity and eye-tracking.

The incorporation of realistic accessories like the haptic heat vest into VR technology opens up intriguing possibilities for the future of education and training.