HaptX and Y-12 jointly launch nuclear operations training cooperation

2023年9月14日 – HapX Inc., a company that provides realistic haptic feedback technology, today announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S. federal contractor Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) to jointly advance virtual reality (VR) technology and accelerate its use in support of U.S. government training missions. Applications. HaptX co-founder Professor Robert CrockettAugmented and Virtual Reality Policy ConferenceThis statement was made to representatives of the U.S. government.

CNS负责管理和运营位于田纳西州奥克里奇的Y-12国家安全复合体, 以及位于德克萨斯州阿马里洛的Pantex Plant，为美国国家核安全局提供服务。Y-12是作为曼哈顿计划的一部分而建造的，目的是为首批原子弹浓缩铀，被视为原子弹的诞生地。在第二次世界大战后的几年里，它一直被用作制造核武器部件和相关防御目的的设施 (Source:View source).

New Oakridge Enhancement Technology and Training Center in Tennessee (ORETTC) provides training to those responsible for maintaining the security of U.S. nuclear and radioactive materials, as well as emergency responders and other nuclear operations, security, cyber, and emergency response experts. According to HaptX, ORETTC is a leader in augmented, virtual and extended reality.

As a result of this MOU, Y-12 is integrating HaptX gloves to enhance immersion in VR training sessions. In addition, HaptX engineers will work with Y-12 staff to support continued improvements to the virtual training environment and application functionality. HaptX said Y-12 selected HaptX gloves to achieve the natural interaction and tactility of true contact, which is critical for enterprise-level training environments that contain complex and precise steps.

“This collaborative approach brings government and industry together to study AR, VR and XR technologies, expanding the scope and speed of technology development,” said Ashley Stowe, Director of ORETTC.

The first collaborative Y-12 HaptX prototype is a virtual glove box simulator, a frontline response training system that uses haptic technology to demonstrate high-risk, low-incidence response scenarios. Glove box containment allows workers wearing protective extension gloves to handle hazardous materials in a controlled environment. Learning glove box skills and techniques is crucial, and a success factor in training is replicating tension without introducing danger, HaptX says.

“Working with HaptX to develop the Glove Box Trainer has been a truly collaborative journey,” added Stowe. “Many new employees are unfamiliar with glove boxes. The addition of HaptX gloves enhances the training experience so trainees learn how to handle hazardous materials without exposing themselves to danger.

"This partnership will have a significant impact on how we build the nuclear forces of tomorrow," Stowe continued. “Multi-user haptic capabilities allow us to train engineers, scientists and operators to work as teams to complete manufacturing tasks.”

为了实现逼真触感，Y-12的指导设计师实施了HaptX Gloves DK2开发套件。他们是首批在HaptX软件开发工具包中部署多用户触觉功能的人员，该功能允许多个用户在同一虚拟环境中工作并感受相同的物体，无论物理位置如何。

“We are proud and inspired to work with Y-12 to develop a safer way to help nuclear engineers and scientists become more efficient in their operations,” said HaptX co-founder Professor Robert Crockett. “They are taking bold steps to deploy haptic simulation technology in systems that build true muscle memory, physical flexibility and situational awareness.”

HaptX will be demonstrating the Y-12 glove box training simulator today at the ARVR Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., as well as at an upcoming exhibition. To learn more about HaptX and its haptic feedback technology, visit the company’swebsite.

Image source: HaptX / ORETTC