Virtual reality platforms for education and training in industry

Developing, testing and operating complex machinery and repairing it under time pressure if it breaks down are some of the new skills professionals in many occupations have to learn as quickly as possible. Actions on machinery and plants are trained in individual lessons on an immersive virtual model. Lessons can be repeated as often as desired and independent of the real machinery's temporal and spatial constraints, without any risk to operators or the system if errors are made and even before the real system has been built. This paper introduces the methodology behind the technical solution and presents experiences acquired during its implementation with a virtual learning platform for operators and maintenance staff as examples.