✅ 300% increase in training capacity through concurrent physical & VR sessions
✅ 100% risk-free operation practice on high-value equipment
✅ 50% faster skill mastery with immersive muscle memory training
✅ Zero material waste, sustainable training solution
The Challenge: Breaking Barriers in Industrial Training
The polymer industry demands precise, hands-on experience with complex machinery such as injection moulding systems. However, traditional training methods faced critical limitations, including severe equipment bottlenecks that restricted access to only one or two trainees at a time. This was compounded by geographical constraints, requiring learners to be physically present at sites housing expensive equipment. Furthermore, safety risks posed a significant challenge, as mistakes during training could result in costly damage to moulds valued at €50,000 or more. Finally, these methods led to considerable resource waste due to the consumption of physical materials during repeated trial runs.
The Solution: A Fully Immersive VR Training Ecosystem
To overcome the critical limitations of traditional training, we developed a true-to-life virtual reality replica of an industrial injection moulding machine. This fully immersive VR experience features three of Avatar Academy’s learning modes designed for progressive skill development. Learners begin in Explainer Mode, receiving guided step-by-step tutorials enhanced with voice instructions and visual cues to build foundational knowledge. They then advance to Practice Mode, where they can perform unlimited repetitions in a risk-free environment to solidify procedures and build essential muscle memory. Finally, Exam Mode rigorously evaluates competency through randomised assessments, requiring trainees to demonstrate 100% mastery before progressing.
The solution incorporates breakthrough accessibility features that dismantle previous barriers. Utilizing controller-free hand tracking via Meta Quest headsets enables natural, intuitive interactions within the virtual environment. A unique X-ray machine visualisation capability allows trainees to see internal mechanisms in motion – an insight impossible to achieve safely with physical equipment. Crucially, remote training capability empowers learners to access this sophisticated training from anywhere, at any time, eliminating geographical constraints.
Avatar Academy’s Analytics Dashboard provided valuable insights for both trainers and trainees. The Trainer View offers comprehensive oversight, enabling instructors to track individual and group progress in real-time, identify common weak points across the cohort, and utilise leaderboards to foster healthy competition. Simultaneously, the Trainee View allows learners to self-monitor their performance metrics and visualise their improvement journey over time, fostering autonomy and targeted practice. This integrated approach delivers a scalable, safe, and effective training solution for the polymer industry.
VR is accelerating their learning, providing a deeper understanding
of the machine, and embedding knowledge much more effectivelyCatherine Collins, Network Manager, First Polymer Training Skillnet
First Polymer Training Skillnet is a training network, specifically catering to the Irish Polymer Industry. Supported by the Skillnet Ireland initiative, First Polymer is committed to providing world-class talent development solutions that perfectly align with the industry’s unique needs. This involves a suite of both online and in-person training programmes, along with the capacity to create bespoke, in-house programmes to cater to individual companies’ specific needs.
Our partnership with First Polymer demonstrates the immense potential of VR technology in enhancing training outcomes. Through the creation of a VR training application, we were able to provide a realistic, safe, and immersive learning environment that is accessible and flexible. This collaboration not only helped First Polymer increase their training capacity and efficiency, but it also validated our shared belief in the transformative power of technology in education. We look forward to seeing how First Polymer continues to leverage this technology to further their mission of delivering world-class talent development solutions.