Anders Gronstedt

The Navy is shifting its training approach from an industrial model of sending sailors to schoolhouses toward one that includes bringing training directly to the fleet through gaming consoles. Today’s consoles pack the power of full-fledged simulations into the ease and convenience of compact, shipboard-friendly sizes.

We often refer to artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), and blockchain (just to name a few) as emerging technologies. But the truth is, these technologies have been around for years. But we’re just now figuring out how to tap into their full potential— particularly when it comes to learning and development (L&D). So perhaps “evolving technologies” might be a more accurate moniker as tech and its applications seem to level up at warp speed these days.

A new generation of virtual reality (VR) training simulations is poised to transform legacy just-in-case classroom training in the US Navy into just-in-time training on ships and submarines. Affordable stand-alone VR can multiply reps and sets of immersive practices before sailors apply real-life skills. The Navy partnered with my firm to demonstrate the value of VR training by converting a legacy touchscreen maintenance training program into a VR simulation that completely engulfs users.