METS VR: Mining Evacuation Training Simulator in Virtual Reality for Underground Mines

摘要

The mining industry is one of America's most important suppliers of raw materials such as metals for the manufacturing, construction and high-tech industry. It is very profitable, but requires the mine to be fully active. Mining is also a comparably dangerous line of work and lives can be lost on the work site due to an emergency. As of right now, mines will generally conduct quarterly training to go over evacuation drills and how to handle emergency situations. However, the mine needs to halt production during drills, which is a major disadvantage of this training method. This in turn becomes a loss of profit for the mine. With the Mining Evacuation Training Simulator (METS), the mining industry will have a virtual training scenario for their workers. A more immersive experience is critical to the quality of training as the teaching content actualizes the real world experience. METS is a cost efficient training and safe alternative to the current model of evacuation training. With METS the mine will still be able to remain in production while a few employees at a time perform evacuation and emergency training.