Rural
17 October, 2024
Forestry is on virtual reality
Virtual reality (VR) is poised to revolutionise Australia’s $24 billion forestry industry by offering faster, risk-free training that can be delivered remotely.
Developed by the University of South Australia in partnership with the Green Triangle Forest Industry Hub, this cutting-edge VR training tool is expected to save the industry millions of dollars in the long term.
Lead researcher Dr Andrew Cunningham and developer Jack Fraser have spent the last year creating the “Mills Skills VR” tool, designed to enhance training in South Australia’s forestry mills, with plans to expand it nationwide.
The tool immerses trainees in a 3D environment, simulating a wide range of forestry scenarios, allowing workers to develop essential skills in a safe and controlled virtual setting.
“For the untrained, the forestry industry, particularly the mills, can be inherently dangerous due to the use of large, heavy machinery,” Dr Cunningham says.
“By allowing workers to practise hazard recognition and develop skills before they step foot in a mill, we significantly improve safety.”
A major benefit of the VR tool is its flexibility, allowing workers to train anywhere in Australia without the need for costly travel.
Josh Praolini, Workforce Development Manager at the Green Triangle Forest Industry Hub, notes that current training methods slow production and introduce potential risks.
“With this VR tool, new recruits can be trained in different mill scenarios safely, while experienced workers can receive ongoing training without interrupting daily operations,” Praolini says.
Beyond training, University of SA researchers are using VR to assess plantations, checking for defects and wood quality in virtual environments.
Dr Cunningham believes this technology will also attract younger workers to the industry, while expanding into other sectors such as construction and manufacturing.
