Varjo and FORCE Technology partner to bring XR training to the maritime industry

In Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality News

March 26, 2024 – Varjo, a provider of industrial-grade virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) hardware and software, and FORCE Technology, a provider of simulation-based maritime technology, engineering and training, have recently announced that they have signed a strategic frame agreement. The partnership positions FORCE Technology as Varjo’s integrator partner, focusing on delivering advanced VR and XR training solutions to maritime customers worldwide.

According to Varjo, the collaboration aims to launch a compact, highly portable, immersive training solution that can be transported and deployed anywhere. Using Varjo’s XR-4 series headsets (pictured above) that the company released in November last year, the solution will aim to address maritime training accessibility and efficiency, and will help to significantly cut down on the cost and logistical challenges associated with traditional maritime training methods.

By bringing together FORCE Technology’s experience in maritime simulations and Varjo’s mixed reality technology, the resulting collaboration will offer maritime customers with a training solution that helps to cut costs compared to traditional simulators, as well as boost the quality of training with realistic immersive scenarios.

 

“We’re excited to take maritime training to the next level. The unparalleled visuals of the new Varjo XR-4 Series headsets, combined with our software and simulation know-how, will make this VR/XR solution a game-changer, offering flexibility and cost-savings the industry hasn’t seen before. Our aim is to bring effective training closer to the point of need, from classrooms to onboard ships,” said Capt. Jan Michelsen, FORCE Technology’s Simulation, Ports, Training and Human Factors Director.

Varjo stated that as the global maritime industry is currently facing a shortage of skilled seafarers, there is a pressing need for training solutions that are not just effective and affordable, but also scalable and easy to deploy. FORCE Technology and Varjo’s immersive training solutions will aim to address these challenges by making it easier for companies to train their crews efficiently.

“Our partnership with FORCE Technology is a big step towards the future of maritime training, making high-quality simulators more efficient and accessible,” said  Seppo Aaltonen, Chief Commercial Officer at Varjo. “FORCE Technology’s immersive simulator will break down the old barriers for training, offering a more engaging and realistic simulation experience that brings about significant operational benefits for the industry.”

For more information on FORCE Technology and its simulators for the maritime industry, click here. To learn more about Varjo and its virtual and mixed reality hardware and software solutions, click here.

Image / video credit: Varjo / FORCE Technology / Vimeo

About the author

Sam Sprigg

Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.