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VR company at the Hub breaks new ground in developing industrial skills

By The Innovation Hub
Johannesburg, 10 Feb 2005

Historically, language and literacy have been impediments to skills development in an increasingly complex manufacturing environment. One of the innovative South African companies at The Innovation Hub is using cutting-edge ICT technologies to overcome these constraints and break new ground in the field of industrial training.

The Naledi3d Factory (Pty) Ltd has developed the 3d-Trainer concept as a radically new approach to training. Using realistic interactive 3D imagery, based on virtual reality (VR), it is building visually interactive training modules to help address many aspects of industrial training in industry.

According to Managing Director Dave Lockwood: "With the 3d-Trainer, a learner can interact on-screen with a realistic model of a particular machine, device, component, or part and be shown correct use, assembly or disassembly procedures. In terms of safe training, this is the best safety practice available."

A project recently modelled for a mining-house dealt with underground safety by virtually showing the dangers involved in clearing chute blockages. The model has generated significant excitement among users and management alike, and is already having a positive impact on safety awareness.

The most powerful aspect of 3d-Trainer, according to Lockwood, is its visual nature. Learners can "see and do" through an interactive learning mode that shows the consequences of making mistakes, albeit in a simulated environment.

"Instead of teaching people in what is often their third or even fourth language, the 3d-Trainer 's visual imagery overcomes language and even literacy barriers in a way that is non-threatening and easy to use," said Lockwood.

The Naledi3d Factory has also used a 3d-Trainer model to demonstrate the principles of using a lathe and milling machine. This cutting-edge simulation provides learners with realistic, hands-on exposure to lathes and milling machine equipment, including the tools used in a workshop.

Both these models are shifting the industrial training paradigm and heralding a refreshingly innovative approach to industrial skills and safety training.

For further information, contact Dave Lockwood at (012) 844 1010 or 082 894 3178.

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