Virtual Reality-based pilot training for underground coal miners

•Virtual Reality training application for underground coal miners is presented.•High immersion improves orientation in virtual space, motion and object’s manipulation.•Trainees consider used system useful.•The miners feel the positive effects of training even after three months.

Accidents at works statistics show that mining industry is one of the most dangerous. Therefore there is a need for new solutions, which will improve professional adaptation process and will simultaneously have significant impact on improvement of occupational health and safety situation, especially among the youngest employees. Using the technology of Virtual Reality (VR) allows the acquisition and practice the correct behavior by the miners in a controlled, safe environment. In the paper the results of pilot training with the participation of 21 people employed in the mining industry are presented. Each of the trainees took part in the two simulations, using different motion capture systems: Razer Hydra or vision based system. Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) with different field of view (FoV), wide (110 degrees) and relatively narrow (45 degrees), are also compared. Trainees consider used system useful and feel the positive effects of training even after three months. In almost all cases high immersive VR combined with wide FoV is assessed as the best solution for training. The results of the experiment encouraged owners of training facilities cooperating with polish mines to introduce VR training to basic training for youngest miners.

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