CASE STUDY
RAYMOND CORP
The future of vocational training -
a forklift simulator for the 21st century
Challenge
The market for trained Forklift drivers is tough. Turnover is high and accidents from insufficiently trained drivers can be deadly. Efficient training is a must have. Raymond came to FreeRange XR looking to harness the power of Virtual Reality to build a simulator that would help save them time, save them money, and keep their employees safer. Just so happens, our Forklift Simulator was also a ton of fun to learn on.
Approach
Created a proof of concept prototype to show the efficacy of VR and prove value to the client
Crafted a custom lesson plan and VR interface that could train a novice operator to the point of mastery
From one lesson on one Forklift model, we expanded the product to cover Raymond’s full product line across 12 different models as a tiered offering within an iterative process
Solution
Created a fully comprehensive training simulator with custom hardware that incorporates actual controls from Raymond Forklifts
Integrated with HTC Vive and Leap Motion hardware for full spatial and hand tracking, adding to immersion and accessibility
The initial program currently includes simulations for six (6) different models, presenting five (5) individual courses and incorporating 60+ lessons
“In my 30 yrs of training, I've never had an employee ask to do it again, until now."
HSE Manager
Benefits & Outcomes
The project won Raymond the MHI innovation award for 2018, Raymond was named Fast Company's Most Innovative Company 2019, the project was named Plant Engineering Product of the Year 2018, and the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year Award.
Raymond is now selling this training product as a standalone product.
Broome-Tioga Workforce New York recognized there was a need to find more skilled labor to fill warehouse positions at various community distribution centers. To address this economic concern, it partnered with SUNY Broome and BOCES to develop an educational program that would teach job seeking individuals the needed skills. Part of this program was the Raymond Virtual Reality Simulator, which allowed the participants to enter a simulated warehousing environment on an actual Raymond forklift.
