STIHL has won two highly acclaimed awards for its RESCUE SAW MR – Mixed Reality Rescue Saw Simulator project. The company received the eLearning Award 2020 in the category Mixed Reality and the Immersive Learning Award 2019 in the category Standard Content for its virtual process and application training with emergency service simulation. The prizes were awarded by the eLearning Journal and the Institute for Immersive Learning respectively. The rescue saw simulator is a virtual training platform that enables emergency services such as fire brigades or the Technisches Hilfswerk (THW) to learn how to use chainsaws and rescue saws safely and properly. Emergency services practise using the equipment optimally in emergency situations in a safe virtual environment, enabling them to act professionally and save lives in emergencies. "Our expanded range of training courses for fire services, THW and other aid organisations is leading the way in this area," said Marbod Lemke, Head of International Training Services and Product Training at STIHL. "By allowing chainsaws and rescue saws to be used in a risk-free and instructive environment, the simulator helps ensure that emergency services are proficient in and prepared for the task at hand. The simulator has the potential to revolutionise learning and training in this industry around the world." STIHL developed the saw simulator in collaboration with imsimity GmbH. It can be purchased by other companies as standard content and integrated into in-house learning processes. THW also provided support in the project.
Mixed reality rescue saw simulator offers wide range of benefits
The eLearning Journal jury highlighted the cost and resources savings, the removal of a reliance on good weather for training purposes and the high-tech training form as the main benefits of the STIHL rescue saw simulator. The Institute for Immersive Learning praised the fact that the rescue saw simulator is able to realistically model and implement "real" hardware into a virtual reality learning environment. STIHL's decision to become one of the first companies to launch a virtual reality learning experience was also commended.
Virtual learning and training opportunities offer numerous advantages
The saw simulator is a STIHL-developed training concept and a core component of its digital training offering. It combines the use of real chainsaws with a virtual application (mixed reality). The simulator enables users to become more proficient in using saws, all while cutting costs through the virtual reality concept. The rescue saw simulator is an additional module in the standard application that is tailored to the requirements of fire services and other emergency services. A wide range of scenarios have been programmed to provide training on situation assessment and how to make the right relief cuts. Emergency services can use the simulator for on-site or advanced training or for refresher courses. Once users have put on the virtual reality headset, they are transported immediately to an idyllic forest clearing. There they can choose between 13 different cutting techniques and three different courses. After users put on the virtual protective equipment, each cutting technique is explained step by step. The simulator is a unique opportunity to practise dangerous situations in advance in a safe environment, from dealing with a burning roller door or the hot windows on an underground train to simply felling and pruning a tree. Besides the zero-risk training environment, the virtual simulation is also cheaper compared to conventional training. What's more, the concept consumes fewer resources and can be used at any time of day, whatever the weather.
eLearning at STIHL
STIHL has been a keen proponent of digital training concepts for some time now and offers its customers digital products and services that create tangible added value. More than 36,000 active users in some 150 countries use the STIHL eLearning platform for training and learning purposes. The platform includes repair instructions, video tutorials, product training and news on the latest innovations, as well as information and manuals for anyone who likes to work with wood. The eLearning platform is available at www.stihl-training.com.