Unique VR Solutions for Complex Systems

At ITEC 2018 in Stuttgart on 15 May, HP, Inc. (formerly Hewlett Packard) and DiSTI Corporation announced they have allied to develop unique virtual reality (VR) training solutions for complex systems, such as vehicles, aircraft and industrial equipment.

Addressing a growing demand for high-impact, cost-effective VR training – a market expected to grow to $18 billion by 2022, according to the companies, the collaboration is likely to result in VR solutions developers being able to create complex simulations with which trainees can interact and achieve faster, more integrated learning than with traditional training modalities. HP’s Z VR Backpack – which it describes as “the most powerful wearable PC VR ever created,” enables developers to create seamless and more realistic untethered VR experiences.

“HP is enabling companies to leverage VR technology in ways that transform workflows and unleash innovation. By working with leading partners like DiSTI, we will reinvent the way workers across a range of sectors do their jobs, whether it’s operating the most advanced industrial equipment or designing and servicing the next generation of automobiles,” commented HP’s Vice President and General Manager, HP Z Workstations, Xavier Garcia. “HP’s versatile and high-powered devices, combined with DiSTI’s VE Studio development platform, will empower customers to create cost-effective VR training solutions that safely replicate real-world environments and processes in rich detail.” 

The companies will offer end-to-end enterprise virtual training solutions³ – from development to deployment – based on HP’s VR-ready hardware and DiSTI’s VE Studio development platform. Customers can use the VE Studio suite to develop their own VR training applications or have DiSTI and HP professional services teams assist in designing and building their solutions. HP’s comprehensive hardware portfolio features HP Z Desktop Workstations, while VE Studio enables rapid and cost-effective development, creating accurate hands-on experiences as HP hardware seamlessly delivers them via fast processing power and high-fidelity graphics.

“There is tremendous market demand for enterprise-level virtual training solutions that can be rapidly implemented, are cost effective and can be developed and managed by internal staff,” explained DiSTI’s Chief Revenue Officer, John Cunningham. “Many companies have identified the need to implement VR-enabled training but struggle with how to get started and scale due to the lack of internal expertise and the availability of cost-effective solutions. We are excited to combine our two companies’ VR expertise to accelerate industry adoption of VR training.”

MONCh had the opportunity on 16 May to talk in some depth to Kevin Mikalsen, DiSTI’s Director of Global Marketing, and will be reporting on that conversation tomorrow.

Tim Mahon