While not talked about with the same fanfare as AI, XR, and more consumer-focused technologies, safety and education are being radically transformed by technological innovation. Beyond mere novelty, many new technologies aim to make a difference, creating safer, more inclusive, and deeply educational experiences.
The shift in these vital sectors was at the heart of the discussion between Tina Mulqueen, advisor for Chrome Roads, and Brandon Harper, Senior XR Product Designer at Axon, two middle school acquaintances brought together after two decades. The conversation, rooted in personal experiences and professional expertise, shed light on how emerging technologies like VR (virtual reality) and biometrics are redefining the playing field.
Mulqueen’s work with Chrome Roads focuses on utilizing hardware and biometrics to enhance safety and education within organizations, specifically aiming to combat assault on college campuses. Harper’s journey, profoundly influenced by the tragic Las Vegas massacre, led him to explore how mixed reality could be utilized for police training, aiming to foster empathy, improve decision-making, and ultimately enhance public safety.
Harper’s work at AXON, a company renowned for its Taser technology, is committed to reducing gun use by 50% by 2030. Through VR police training modules, AXON immerses trainees in realistic scenarios, challenging them to make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations.
Using an immersive approach aims to cultivate a deeper understanding and empathy for the complex dynamics officers face daily. For instance, one module places trainees in the shoes of a person with schizophrenia during a police encounter, offering perspectives from both the officer and the individual. Having a dual perspective is crucial for fostering empathy and understanding and has the potential to transform how officers approach real-life situations.
Meanwhile, Chrome Roads’ initiative to replace ID badges with biometrically secure alternatives equipped with panic buttons is a leap forward in personal safety technology. Not only does it promise to enhance security on university campuses, but it also champions data privacy, ensuring that individuals maintain control over their personal information.
Furthermore, the potential for the Chrome Roads’ devices to collect clean, actionable data offers valuable insights into organizational dynamics and community safety, contributing to a broader understanding of how spaces can be made safer and more inclusive.
Harper and Mulqueen also touched on the importance of data integrity and the ethical considerations surrounding the collection and use of data in driving change. While safety and education are both vital, the need to consider privacy is a growing concern in every industry undergoing technological advancement.
The need for a solid foundation of clean, reliable data is imperative. Not only does this data fuel AI and machine learning models, but it informs the development of training modules and safety protocols that can genuinely make a difference in people’s lives.
As technology continues to evolve, the potential for virtual and augmented reality to revolutionize training and education is immense. By placing individuals in highly realistic, emotionally charged scenarios, VR offers a unique way to experience and understand the complexities of human behavior and crisis situations. This level of immersion can lead to profound insights and empathy, ultimately driving more effective decision-making and interpersonal interactions in high-stakes environments.
The “New Horizons for Safety and Education” panel at The Lively & Grit Daily House during SXSW 2024 offered a glimpse into the future of how we approach learning, training, and safety in society. Through the lens of VR and biometrics, we see a world where more is possible. If you missed the panel, check it out in the video below.
