Rescue Saw VR: A Virtual Reality Chainsaw Simulator for Training Foresters and Rescue Workers
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chainsaw-related injuries affect around 36,000 individuals annually in the United States alone. One of the main reasons for this high number is the lack of proper training and knowledge on how to operate chainsaws safely and effectively.
To address this issue, Imsimity has developed Rescue Saw VR, a virtual reality training app in collaboration with STIHL. The app aims to make high-quality chainsaw training more accessible to foresters and rescue workers. It offers a range of realistic training scenarios that cover various cutting techniques, including those for wood, metal, and other resistant materials.
Marbod Lemke, Head of International Training Services and Product Training at STIHL, believes that this digitally enhanced training concept has the potential to revolutionize training and education in the industry. It ensures that rescue workers are well-prepared for their tasks in a future-oriented manner.
Rescue Saw VR utilizes a real chainsaw as an interaction device, allowing users to not only understand the learning content cognitively but also physically grasp and internalize it. Martin Zimmermann, CEO of Imsimity, emphasizes the interactive nature of the training method.
The development of this training app was funded by the Bavarian State Accident Insurance Fund (Bayerische Landesunfallkasse), with the goal of improving workplace safety. In addition to providing easier access to necessary training for professionals, the app can also save companies that employ chainsaw operators a significant amount of money. Virtual reality chainsaws do not wear out or break unless programmed to do so.
Zimmermann highlights the sustainability aspect of Rescue Saw VR, stating that if it can help conserve forest resources or prevent accidents, it contributes to a more sustainable forest environment.
To witness the capabilities of Rescue Saw VR firsthand, interested individuals can visit Imsimity’s website and register for a live online demo.
