Virtual Reality To Help Team GB In Rio

BAE Systems has teamed up with Team GB for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games to help athletes train using Virtual Reality (VR) technology.

As UK Sport’s official research and innovation partner, BAE systems has been providing athletes with 360 degree digital headsets which have 3D simulations of course layouts.

The new project, named VR-Vantage, is the latest development in an eight-year technology partnership between BAE Systems and UK Sport. Providing a playback of 3D recorded material collated by engineers and trainers ahead of competition, VR-Vantage adapts the technology to the requirements of the Olympians and Paralympians.

The video playback can be viewed on smartphones as well as the latest headsets, giving athletes a fully immersive experience and allowing them to feel familiar in the environments in which they’ll be competing.

The digital headset technologies are being used to integrate 3D video in new ways, aimed at providing a real benefit to sports including sailing, canoe slalom and triathlon and potentially winter sports such as bob sled, skeleton and ski slalom.

Henry White, BAE Systems technology partnership lead said: “VR-Vantage adapts existing technology in a short time frame, and can be integrated into athletes’ training schedule quickly and seamlessly.

“Technologies that BAE Systems are developing for aircraft inspection and operator training have been utilized in an affordable manner, allowing roll-out across a large number of sports. The system will complement the comprehensive training and preparation by our athletes and give them the best possible opportunity for success.”

Simon Timson, director of performance, UK Sport said: “Familiarity and practice in the competition environment, whether real or virtual, breads confidence in athletes. The advantages of virtual training should not be underestimated in the pursuit of excellence.

“This adaptation of new technology allows us to digitally bottle that experience for elite athletes and help them perform at their best. Every extra benefit we can offer our athletes ahead of elite competition is significant, so this innovative application of 3D video and Virtual Reality technology should provide an advantage in helping athletes familiarise themselves with new courses.”