HS2 is to use augmented reality to train staff of a railway station that has not yet been built.
The company formed by the Government to deliver the high speed rail line from London to Birmingham has announced plans to work with a handful of partners on developing AR training for future staff of Old Oak Common.
Pauley, an SME specialist in digital solutions for engineering, is developing a system to enable staff to see the station in detail through AR visors.
Its managing director Philip Pauley said this will unlock opportunities to explore and test a digital replica of the station well before it opens for use.
HS2 will use the AR world to train its staff in supporting customers, station maintenance and safety so they are prepared to efficiently manage the station.
Other companies involved in the project are innovation management consultancy Inventya and professional services firm WSP.
Need for skills
HS2 Ltd’s Stations Director, Mike Luddy, said: “From its earliest days Old Oak Common will be one of the UK’s busiest and best connected stations. Serving both HS2 and the Elizabeth line (Crossrail) it is designed to handle around 275,000 passengers every day. To accommodate that number of people in a pleasant, safe and efficient environment, it’s crucial that staff know the station’s workings in detail.
“The challenge is that Old Oak Common station hasn’t been built yet. So to train the station’s entirely new workforce with the skills and knowledge they will need we must innovate.
“Through this project, which is supported by Innovate UK and the DfT, we’re harnessing the power of digital technology to build Old Oak Common in augmented reality.”
Image from GOV.UK, Open Government Licence v3.0
