In an effort to improve safety training on the road, UPS is turning to virtual simulation training to teach students about road hazards.
The announcement applies to all nine of the UPS Integrad training facilities (including one slated to open later this year) and fully signs UPS onto new and Virtual Reality (VR) headset technology. That technology works to simulate experiences through 360-degree views of a virtual world, complete with sound as well, but without actually putting anyone at risk, making them potentially perfect classroom material.
“Virtual Reality offers a big technological leap in the realm of driver safety training,” Juan Perez, UPS chief information and engineering officer, said. “VR creates a hyper-realistic streetscape that will dazzle even the youngest of our drivers whose previous exposure to the technology was through video games.”
The new training is scheduled to begin in September, using content developed by UPS’ own IT team. It replaces a touchscreen-based system UPS had already been using, and potentially sets the stage for similar training of the company’s tractor trailer drivers. At present, only its package delivery drivers will benefit from the VR training.
Students will still receive on-road training, but VR provides an additional layer of safety training before they have that chance.