The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced on Wednesday that it developed a virtual reality (VR) fire extinguishing training simulator that trains firefighters in realistic fire situations. The VR-based training simulator aims to improve firefighters’ skills using real fire extinguishing equipment.
The Research Institute expects the simulator to minimize the occurrences in hazards and casualties from fire incidents.
The VR simulator includes a multi-sensory interface technology, a motion simulator technology, and an immersive training content.
The multi-sensory interface technology allows users to feel and experience lifelike scenarios during the training. Users could also experience performing tasks using fire hoses and nozzles.
The motion simulator allows users to walk or move up and down a slope in a virtual space. An installation cable ensures safety for users when wearing a head-mounted display.
The immersive training content consists of inputs from real firefighters who already underwent actual training.
The research team at ETRI intends to complete the application by establishing simulator technology to firefighting locations. The team creates 3D VR training set-ups using 3D drawings and fire flow calculation fluid role model engine-linked fire visualization. The researchers also utilize fire detection technology and AI-based hybrid multi-sensor information learning technologies.
An Advancing Technology
Researchers are also developing an IoT-based fire digital twin technology that enables real-time remote observation of fire conditions. ETRI said that the technology’s accuracy currently stands at 85 percent, intending to raise to 96 percent using AI-based learning.
ETRI also plans to develop a breathing apparatus for reproducing heat and cooling sensations in firefighting uniforms. The uniforms would contain a bio-signal monitoring technology designed for trainees. The plan also includes developing software that changes the training system’s virtual environment and lightens the simulator.
Dr. Woong-Yeon Yang said that the institute would promote local field demos and enter overseas markets simultaneously. The cooperation and communication with firefighters are vital for the advancement of technology.
The Ministry of Science and ICT supported the research since 2019 as part of the ICT-based social problem-solving technology development project. ETRI already applied for eight domestic and international patents and published 11 articles in domestic, foreign journals and academic conferences.
The VR simulator could also help in massive virtual training on the disinfection of COVID-19 through a network connection.
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