Introduction to Virtual Reality Training
Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is taking a big step in worker training by introducing virtual reality (VR) headsets. By the tip of the 12 months, employees across the US will likely be using Oculus headsets to organize for his or her jobs. This modern approach is made possible through a partnership with STRIVR, a virtual reality startup based in Menlo Park.
The Partnership with STRIVR
STRIVR has worked with notable firms like PepsiCo and skilled sports leagues corresponding to the NFL. Walmart has been testing STRIVR’s technology in 31 of its training academies over the past few months and has seen enough success to make your mind up to roll out this system to all 200 academies expected to be in use by the tip of 2017. This expansion is a testament to the effectiveness of VR in job training.
How the Training Academies Work
Walmart opened its first training academy last 12 months, with each academy connected to a Walmart Supercenter. These academies provide a classroom setting where employees can learn for 2 weeks before starting an entry-level job or recent role. The training academies are designed to equip employees with the talents and knowledge needed to excel of their positions.
The Role of Virtual Reality in Training
STRIVR’s technology allows employees to experience real-world scenarios through the usage of an Oculus headset. This immersive experience enables employees to organize for situations like coping with holiday rush crowds or cleansing up a multitude in an aisle. The headsets are also linked to a video screen, allowing the trainer and other students to view what the trainee is seeing and supply feedback on their performance.
The Benefits of Virtual Reality Training
The use of VR in job training has been shown to yield more knowledge retention than traditional video training for completing physical tasks. This is based on a research paper from 2006 co-authored by professor Jeremy Bailenson, who cofounded STRIVR in 2015. Over the past 11 years, VR technology has improved dramatically, making it more accessible and effective for job training situations.
Real-World Applications of Virtual Reality Training
VR training shouldn’t be limited to retail jobs. Oil firms have been using VR for oil rig job training since 2014, and hospitals have been using VR to coach physicians in complex procedures for the past couple of years. The success of VR training in these fields is a promising indication of its potential in other areas.
The Future of Virtual Reality Training
According to Mary Meeker, a partner at Kleiner Perkins, VR job training is predicted to turn out to be increasingly essential. The success of STRIVR’s technology, particularly with Stanford football, is cited for example of the potential of VR training. Walmart expects 140,000 of its employees to undergo Walmart Academy training this 12 months, with VR being an integral a part of that have.
Conclusion
The introduction of virtual reality headsets in Walmart’s training academies marks a big shift in the way in which employees are prepared for his or her jobs. By providing an immersive and interactive experience, VR training has the potential to enhance knowledge retention and job performance. As VR technology continues to evolve, it is probably going that we’ll see its use turn out to be more widespread in job training situations across various industries.
