THE CHALLENGE:
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) required a cutting-edge training solution to onboard new engineers and enhance the skills of existing staff. Their goal was to create an engaging and effective training experience that could also be used to communicate the nature of their work to stakeholders. However, several challenges emerged:
The training process often required stakeholders to be physically present on-site, which posed safety hazards, especially in roadside environments.
Traditional training methods lacked interactivity and realism, limiting engagement and retention.
Some tasks, such as fiber splicing, required highly detailed instructional visuals that could not be effectively captured using standard VR approaches.
Off-the-shelf video players on the Meta Quest headset were inadequate for their training needs, requiring a custom playback solution.
THE SOLUTION:
To address these challenges, Adaptas collaborated with NBI to develop a hybrid immersive training program incorporating both 2D video (16:9 format) and 360-degree video across eight training modules. The key elements of the solution included:
Immersive Video Training Modules:
360-degree video: Used for safety training, ladder work, deployment, and testing procedures, allowing engineers to experience real-world scenarios in an immersive environment.
2D video: Used for intricate processes such as fiber splicing, ensuring that trainees could clearly observe fine details.
All modules were co-designed with NBI’s engineering team to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Custom VR Video Player:
Due to limitations with existing video players on the Meta Quest headset, Adaptas developed a custom-built 2D and 360-degree video player.
Features included:
Thumbnail gallery for easy navigation.
Automated video format recognition, ensuring that videos played in the correct format without manual adjustments.
Seamless user experience, making training sessions more intuitive and effective.
FEEDBACK and RESULTS:
Enhanced Training Efficiency: Engineers can now access high-quality training modules in a safe and controlled environment, reducing the need for on-site visits.
Increased Engagement: The combination of 360-degree video and high-resolution 2D footage provides a more immersive and effective learning experience.
Scalability: The custom video player ensures that training materials are easily accessible, allowing for future expansion and integration of additional content.
Improved Safety: By reducing the need for in-person site visits, the solution minimizes potential hazards for both engineers and stakeholders.
Through this innovative approach, National Broadband Ireland successfully modernized its training program, combining immersive video technology with a tailored digital solution. The collaboration between NBI and Adaptas showcases the power of immersive media in creating safe, engaging, and effective training experiences for technical professionals.