VR Training

We created a custom VR training app for Digital Realty that enables them to deliver their training requirements to data centre engineers in locations around the world. Featuring an expandable library of training simulations and scenarios that can be updated and modified remotely, the app allows them to manage modules, assign scenarios and track learner performance against key milestones to ensure engineers can respond to any situation.

Managing and maintaining highly complex data centres requires constant training. With engineers based around the world, they need to be ready to respond to issues as they arise. The consequences of failure can be catastrophic – and expensive.

Existing training materials were paper-based, uninspiring and labour-intensive to deliver in person. So Digital Realty approached Circus 360 to make their training more exciting while allowing it to be delivered at scale. And that’s what we did.

The dull and dry training modules have been consigned to the bookshelf where they belong. In their place is an immersive, exciting and engaging interactive VR app. 

An app that uses 360 footage and VR headsets so engineers get hands-on experience with complex equipment. One that simulates various scenarios with no risk to critical infrastructure. And one that tracks the training progress of vital engineers around the world, ensuring they’re fully prepared to respond to any situation.

We visited a Digital Realty data centre to shoot fully detailed 360° footage for the asset library of our custom training app. This immersive footage allowed us to create a range of different scenarios that engineers can work through, such as a power cut, a fire or equipment failure.

Learners navigate through a multi-sensory virtual world that presents information, diagrams, questions, and tasks and gives feedback on responses. An AI voiceover also allows learners to make a phone call or talk on the radio and hear responses. Combining real-world footage with authentic background sounds like machinery, sirens, and alarms creates as realistic an environment as possible.

As engineers work through custom scenarios, the app will correct mistakes and provide them with feedback and additional information about their mistakes. To make it truly unique, scenarios can be replayed with variations on tasks and issues that need addressing. Different things can go wrong each time, and learners must learn to adapt. Just like the real world. 

As they reach specific threshold scores, more training scenarios are unlocked and assigned.

To monitor and evaluate progress, trainers have full access to data and analytics for each learner. They can track performance against certain milestones, assign new tasks and drill down into specific metrics and KPIs. 

For example, training managers can see how many attempts it took to navigate a given problem, how long each scenario took to complete and their overall score. Strengths and weaknesses can be identified, and training can be customised to suit the engineer’s needs and schedule.

Behind the scenes, the VR app is fully expandable. If new software or hardware gets rolled out, new scenarios are designed, or changes need to be made, updates can be pushed remotely to VR headsets around the world.