This week, Axon officially launched VR Simulator Training, which integrates VIVE Wrist Tracker to achieve some of the most convincing de-escalation training scenarios ever created in virtual reality (VR).

Simulator Training includes realistic scenarios that require real-time assessment and split-second decision-making. VIVE Wrist Tracker brings a new level of realism to the experience by allowing trainees to use TASER energy weapons and training firearms in their VR training sessions, with a 1:1 replica of these devices faithfully recreated in VR. Additionally, VIVE Wrist Tracker makes it possible for trainees to naturally hold the Axon TASER 7 in two hands in virtual reality just like they would in real life, without the VR headset losing sight of the officer’s hand position.

“Axon’s VR Simulator Training works together with VIVE Wrist Tracker to bring safer law enforcement one step closer to reality,” said Dan O’Brien, GM Americas at HTC VIVE. “Officers can now use the exact same objects in VR training sessions that they would out in the field. This makes VR training more natural, and ultimately more effective. We’re proud to be working together with Axon to help protect officers and civilians alike with effective VR training solutions,” he said.

VR is highly immersive and has been shown to offer improvements in retention and focus over traditional learning methods. A study published by the National Training Laboratory found that retention rates for VR learning were 75 percent, compared to only 5 percent for lecture-style learning. And PwC found that VR learners are 150 percent less distracted during training, and 400 percent faster to complete their instruction.

“We’re thrilled to be HTC’s exclusive partner for incorporating the VIVE Wrist Tracker into Axon’s latest training platform,” says Chris Chin, Axon VP of Immersive Technologies. “Accurate hand tracking is essential to training true-to-life and increasing learning retention, which carries over into the field and ultimately helps make our training more effective.”

More information on Axon can be found on the company website. To learn more about VIVE Wrist Tracker, visit the product website here.