HTX Labs, LLC, a developer of simulation and immersive training programs for governments and business organisations, recently received the U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I award. As the recipient of this award, the company is set to receive funding for commencing its development of simulations on the HTX Labs’ EMPACT® Virtual Reality (VR), the brand’s cutting-edge platform. The simulations are geared towards improving the capabilities of students in analysing, grasping, retaining and mastering military protocols and processes.
Based on a statement released by the Air Force, its latest technical innovation division AFWERX and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is working together to organise the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) procedure, to make the methods more efficient, and widen the scope for applicants by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Starting with SBIR 18.2, the Air Force has initiated the process of catering faster and lighter ‘Special’ SBIR subjects, that are also open to a wider variety of solutions.
The SBIR Phase I award received by HTX Labs closely follows the triumphant deployments of virtual reality-based programs created by the company for the Pilot Training Next (PTN) programme of the U.S. Air Force. It has initiated an accelerated mechanism for any of the military’s branches to achieve direct collaboration with the company, with respect to its virtual reality-based training simulations.
Moreover, the award facilitates the uninterrupted development of state-of-the-art immersive technology, and its venture into areas such as advanced biometrics, artificial intelligence, and analytics. These technology forms enable the objective and systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of any training programme. Approaches include the comparison of student aggregates, or the aggregate of a solitary student, with a group of professionals who are performing the same exact tasks.
Students can utilise hands-on simulation modules in an immersive environment, to gather the skill sets required to do their designated jobs, within an environment that is completely safe and closely controlled. Such effective training is not practical or possible using just real-life means. As an instance, the PTN programme can test the ability of a student pilot to respond effectively and start emergency processes in distress situations, within the setting of a Beechcraft T-6A aircraft cockpit.
Paul “Slew” Vicars, Lead, Pilot Training Next (PTN) programme, U.S. Air Force, acknowledged HTX’s successful efforts to create an immersive technology-based emergency procedure training system, which gave the Air Force what it was lacking. He praised the company, expressing that it had taken full responsibility and paid attention to details. Working with HTX was a fulfilling experience according to Vicars.
Scott Schneider, HTX Labs CEO and Co-Founder, spoke regarding the collaboration, revealing that the company was jubilant about gaining the distinction of an SBIR Phase I Select organisation. Schneider said that the company is looking forward to assisting the USAF in training future pilots. Shedding more light on the association, he expressed that work would be done on creating solutions to enhance accuracy and responsiveness.
