Challenge to solve
As Emirates prepares to recruit 5,000 cabin crew members in 2024, they are constantly looking for ways to enhance training in efficient ways. Having standardized training across multiple locations is critical, yet difficult to achieve at a large scale with traditional methods like physical simulators and classroom sessions. These also require considerable resources and can be slow, especially when onboarding a large number of new members. Because of this, Emirates asked SenseGlove to create a VR haptics training to showcase as part of their 2024 ForsaTEK Innovation Platform.
Implementation of haptic gloves
With a VR recreation of an Airbus A380 and our haptic gloves, cabin crew members could familiarize themselves with the aircraft, learn how to navigate around it, and operate its systems and controls appropriately. The feedback of the VR haptic gloves provides a realistic sensation as trainees carry out standard procedures inside the plane, such as opening heavy doors or performing pre-flight preparations.
The results
Training in a virtual environment with haptic gloves provides a more immersive and efficient experience for new cabin crew members. Offering a controlled yet realistic scenario through VR and haptics may result in a scalable and efficient training solution. In this way, Emirates could offer simultaneous training for their new members, reducing scheduling conflicts and downtime and making training significantly faster. This approach would also reduce the need for real equipment and physical simulators, thus drastically optimizing costs. Haptic feedback reinforces muscle memory and prepares cabin crew members for real-life aircraft operations faster and more efficiently.
