Training Center Achieves Large-Scale VR Training Deployment with XR Kiosk

Training center Interpro 28’s Goal: Effortless Deployment of Immersive Training

Many training organizations still face challenges in deploying immersive technologies at scale. In a previous article, we highlighted these difficulties and constraints, particularly for trainers.

Main difficulties

• Session preparation time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Headsets not charged or with low battery
• Individual, manual configuration of each headset
• Difficulties with user onboarding and initial setup
• Lack of screen mirroring hinders instructor guidance
• Learners new to VR technology

The result is clear: when it takes 1.5 hours to prepare a 45-minute training session for 12 people, your training model is unsustainable, even if learners are generally satisfied with their immersive experience.

An 8-Month Co-Creation Process Leading to a Unique XR Solution

In 2024, faced with this challenge and acutely aware of the on-the-ground realities, CFA Interpro 28 approached us to find a strategy and effective deployment solutions.

We immediately got to work, convinced that we could solve this equation.

After 8 months of co-creation, we launched the XR training kiosk, and here is the testimony of Frédéric Percheron, ICT referent at CFA Interpro28 in Chartres.

Can you describe your training center?

 

CFA Interpro28 trains nearly 1,400 apprentices and continuing education trainees in various sectors such as automotive, commerce, hairdressing, bakery-pastry-chocolate making, hospitality-catering, and early childhood.

It has dedicated teaching facilities, including networked classrooms, a documentation center, laboratories, and workshops for practical training.

When did you start implementing immersive training?

 

CFA Interpro28 will integrate immersive training in the second quarter of the 2024-2025 academic year.

They have already developed two VR modules in-house using Speedernet’s Sphère software: one for bakery students to explore the bakery lab and its equipment, and another for new students to take a virtual tour of the CFA and familiarize themselves with the facilities.

Additional modules are planned on topics such as risk prevention, situational simulations, role-playing, and management simulations.

What was your role in collaborating with VR Academy to implement your deployment strategy ?

 

We meticulously examined each challenge and developed targeted solutions:

• Ensuring headsets were always ready for use to minimize preparation time
• Providing secure equipment for shared use by multiple trainers
• Creating a lightweight and portable solution for easy movement within the facility
• Incorporating screen mirroring to empower trainers in their guidance role
• Enabling seamless back-to-back sessions
• Allowing a single trainer to manage 15 VR headsets simultaneously

After several months of R&D, we evaluated the proposed solution: a standalone XR kiosk perfectly aligned with our needs and addressing all the challenges identified.

We then equipped ourselves with 5 XR training kiosks, each with 3 VR headsets.

Can you describe how the training will be conducted in practice?

 

With this setup, our goal is to double the use of our immersive VR classroom and, therefore, increase the number of learners who can benefit from it:

• Firstly, by placing XR kiosks in a dedicated classroom, allowing for use and availability at any time to facilitate back-to-back sessions.

• Secondly, by prioritizing mobility, with the ability to move XR kiosks to different buildings and departments, whether it’s a classroom, a workshop, or the hall of the vocational building, with content specific to the trades or events.

Aside from content production, what challenges did you encounter in deploying your immersive training programs?

 

We haven’t encountered any particular difficulties in deploying immersive training so far. That is the point.

The XR kiosks provide easy access to virtual reality for learners and a hassle-free experience for trainers.

The kiosks are plug-and-play, with the headsets being charged by the kiosk itself, which is connected to a single power outlet.

The headsets are secure and connect directly to the CFA’s Wi-Fi.

The screen mirroring feature on the tablet also allows us to effectively monitor and guide learners.

This setup enables us to equip trainees in 5 minutes, leaving 55 minutes for teaching.

With our initial objective achieved, we can then move on to another session.