Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) is the use of information technology for the exact and realistic representation of environment scenarios such as work situations and their properties. VR embeds the user in the artificial (virtual) world and permits interaction with this environment in real time. Occupational safety and health also exploits the potential offered by VR, for example for risk assessment of workplaces and work equipment.

Zoom Image

Study of the efficacy of a protective measure in realistically simulated operational work processes: simulated elevating work platform
Source: IFA

In VR (virtual reality), a person interacts with a simulated environment. Workers experience realistic interaction with simulated installations, machines and work equipment in a virtual work environment. They are submerged in the virtual environment, absorb information from it through their senses, and respond to this information with actions which in turn change the virtual environment. The workers are able to move parts of their work environment, and to react to the virtual work environment and to the changes in it. They experience the virtual work environment in its natural dimensions as they do so. Sometimes, the terms augmented or mixed reality are used for mixtures of virtual and objective reality.

A laboratory is available at the IFA for use of virtual reality and for occupational safety and health.

Further information:

SUTAVE

Applications of virtual reality

Benefits of VR for OSH

Development and research projects