It’s ‘Wii training’ for process engineers

First there was Wii Games. Then there was Wii Fit. Now Invensys Process Systems has introduced a video-game style training system that puts not allows the worker to train in a virtual plant environment, but allows that worker to interact with other workers in other parts of the same virtual plant.

The Invensys Virtual Reality Process technology , a next-generation 3D interactive HMI system, allows control workers and field workers to train in their own areas at the same time on the same system. Invensys officials who showed off the system on Feb. 25 said it allows for a new training model while making sure workers can train safely.

“We can do more than training, There’s a tremendous human factor involved,” said Tobias Scheele, IPS vice president of advanced applications. “There’s a lot of teamwork involved in these jobs. We wanted to be able to train them in a collaborative environment. ITS is a comprehensive training solution linking the control room operator and the field operator using the same knowledge.

“We can optimize the skills from the training environment to the operations environment and we can cross-check procedures,” Scheele added.

For some operators, the idea of virtual reality and game-based controls are nothing different than playing Madden 2009 on their PlayStation or Metal Gear Solid on their Nintendo 64. For others, gaming platforms and virtual reality are virtually new concepts.

“One of the key elements was looking at how the operator interacted with the sophisticated controls, and many didn’t feel comfortable right away,” said Maurizio Rovaglio, director, IPS global consulting. “This for us is the key part. The feedback we’ve received is really positive.”

IPS expects the new system to revolutionize how engineers and operator trainees see and interact with the plant and the processes they control. The technology has potential to train operators more quickly and thoroughly, and improve plant safety, advancing what’s now considered state-of-the-art control rooms .

“What we’re seeing [in the prototype environment] is extremely promising,” said Scheele. “A passive 3D training environment, which is available today, can train a person, but you don’t have any idea of the timing of events.”

When it becomes commercially available later in 2009, IPS expects Immersive Virtual Reality Process to deliver a wide range of client benefits:hey encounter in the face of an aging and dwindling industry workforce.
The newions that help our clients solve their most critical business issues,” he said. “The solution continues to be tested in a variety of installations, and we are beginning to realize its full potential and value-add possibilities.”

See a video : For more information and a video demonstration of Immersive Virtual Reality Process, visit www.ips.virtual-plant.com .

For more information, visit:
Invensys Process Systems www.ips.invensys.com .

Invensys www.invensys.com .

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