How can immersive technology transform training and maintenance in the rail industry? Over the past five years, SNCF’s AR/VR Fab Lab has been addressing this question by developing augmented and virtual reality solutions that enhance safety and skills across the organization. Since its creation in 2017, the Fab Lab has focused on creating impactful tools that improve the day-to-day operations and technical expertise of SNCF employees throughout France.
Training and Safety with Large-Scale VR Deployments
One of the Fab Lab’s most notable achievements is the national rollout of VR applications covering themes such as diversity and workplace safety. This initiative has equipped SNCF with over 800 Meta Quest virtual reality headsets, allowing thousands of employees to be trained each year. Lionel Duclay, Head of Innovation at SNCF's AR/VR Fab Lab, explains, “The most mature use of virtual reality is in training. VR allows users to work on posture or interaction, engaging both visual and muscle memory. With immersive experiences, information retention rates exceed 70%, compared to just 30% in traditional training.”
Augmented Reality for Enhanced Precision
Beyond VR, the Fab Lab has also explored augmented reality solutions that assist employees with tasks such as inspections and diagnostics. By visualizing real-time data and following guided instructions, technicians can perform their duties with increased accuracy, contributing to safer and more efficient operations across the SNCF network.
Experience SNCF’s Vision for the Future of Rail
Meet SNCF’s AR/VR Fab Lab at the Grand Rex on February 6th during the Experience Vision event, where they will share insights into how SNCF's immersive innovations are transforming the future of rail industry training and operations.
Source : SNCF Numériques