Rolls-Royce and Qatar Airways Begin Training Engineers in Virtual Reality

There is still a long way to go until virtual reality becomes mainstream technology. Rolls-Royce and Qatar Airways have a different opinion in this regard. Both companies rely on VR to train their engineers in a safe and controlled environment. This decision is rather remarkable, albeit not entirely surprising. Numerous companies are using the same technology to train staffers these days.

A Bold Gamble Involving VR Training

It is evident several industries will benefit from virtual reality in terms of staff training. Both the automotive and airline industry are great examples in this regard. It is expected the number of air passengers will nearly double in the next fifteen years. The growing number of passengers also requires more engineers to be trained in the process. Doing so is not straightforward, although a solution may be in the works.

Qatar Airways is now using virtual reality to train its fleet of engineers. Practical training in the real world is too much of a hassle when training large groups of individuals. While they are the first in the airline industry to receive such training, With VR technology, all of the logistical headaches are removed from the equation. Rolls-Royce, the famous car manufacturer, is heading down a similar path. The allure of VR-based engineer training should not be overlooked by any means.

Rolls-Royce’s President of Civil Aerospace Chris Cholerton adds:

“At Rolls-Royce we are designing, testing, and maintaining engines in the digital realm, so it makes sense that we bring cutting-edge technology to our training programs. In the same way pilots complete elements of their training in a simulator, certain engineering tasks can be taught through Virtual Reality. Qatar Airways were the first customer to take delivery of the Trent XWB, and their forward-thinking vision across their business makes them the perfect launch partner for this technology.”

Not having to transport a physical engine for study is a major selling point of VR-based training. All staffers need is a HTC Vive headset to take apart this engine in the virtual setting. It serves as a valid training exercise which can be conducted anywhere in the world at any given time. Despite the potential this method of training may provide, it will never replace practical training. Instead, it is an option for refresher training or as a side activity.

If you liked this article make sure to follow us on twitter @thevrsoldier and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest VR trends and news.