Towards Zero Train Collision Accidents -- Joint Development of "VR Training for Track Entry to Prevent Train Collision Accidents" with JR West Rail Tech

Hold/Evacuate Instruction

Tsumikiseisaku Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Sumida-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Shinya Akasaki), a cross-innovation company that creates and maximizes customer value using the latest technology, has jointly developed "VR Content for Train Collision Accident Prevention Training" with JR West Rail Tech Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Rail Tech"), which is responsible for track facility and civil engineering structure inspections and track maintenance work using large machinery within the JR West Group.

This content adopts a "leader-led training type" approach, unlike conventional "experiential" VR. In this system, the instructor sets the situation on the spot and can instruct trainees to enter or evacuate. It covers everything from repetitive practice of basic operations to re-experiencing past accidents, aiming for zero casualties from "train collision accidents," which are considered the most serious risk in on-track work sites.

Background of Development -- Aiming for Zero "Train Collision Accidents," the Most Serious Risk in the Industry

In track maintenance sites, "train collision accidents" due to contact with trains are considered the most serious risk. The strong awareness of serious accidents that must not be repeated was the background for Rail Tech's decision to develop its own training content.

Safety education utilizing VR is already spreading within the industry, and Rail Tech initially used off-the-shelf experiential VR teaching materials for new employee training and on-site follow-up training. However, after about two years of use, the company solidified its direction towards needing "unique teaching materials that can be repeatedly and reliably trained in accordance with our company's training system," and joint development with Tsumikiseisaku began in fiscal year 2024.

From "Experiential" to "Training" -- Features of This Content

Rail Tech aimed for content that could withstand repeated educational training, further evolving conventional experiential VR.

In this content, while trains run freely on the tracks, the instructor sets the situation on the spot and can instruct trainees to "enter and evacuate here once." Trainees can repeatedly practice basic operations under various different situations.

This "leader-led training type VR content," where the instructor guides trainees with the approach of "do not approach this area," is a highly unique method focused on instilling safe actions in the field into the trainees' bodies.

Two-Part Structure -- From Basic Operations for Young Employees to Re-awareness for Veterans

This VR was developed in a two-part structure in line with Rail Tech's training system.

Series

Content

Series 1

"Basic operations" such as stopping, confirming, receiving evacuation instructions, and evacuating before entering the tracks can be repeated any number of times under leader-led instruction.

Series 2

Based on past accidents and incidents, trainees can multi-dimensionally re-experience "in what kind of environment did it occur?" and "what kind of accidents did it lead to?" This provides learning that cannot be conveyed through text materials or data alone.

The feature is a multi-axis design that solidifies the basics in Series 1 and, in Series 2, makes even those who think they "know" re-examine the dangers. It can be used differently depending on the objective and proficiency level.

No-Evacuation Zones Evacuation on Bridges

Multiple Tie Tamper Work Evacuation in Tunnel Center Passages (Shinkansen)

"Realism" Created Together with the Field

In the development, Tsumikiseisaku emphasized faithfully reproducing the feel of railway maintenance sites.

Development proceeded smoothly with Rail Tech providing a large amount of materials that conveyed on-site conditions, such as images of actual train fronts. Furthermore, during the development of Series 2, field members actually experienced the content at a skills competition held by the Track Department, and a large number of feedback was collected on the spot.

Through numerous suggestions based on experience, such as "If you stand and cross here, the train will come straight towards you, so you need to change the angle slightly for it to be realistic," and by reflecting each of these suggestions, the realism of the training was greatly enhanced.

Utilization and Deployment -- From New Employee Training to Each Branch and Group Company

The completed VR is utilized not only in new employee training handled by the Safety Strategy Department but also in follow-up training at the end of the first, second, and third years conducted by the Track Department. For trainees experiencing it for the first time in a year, it provides a fresh training opportunity and a structure for repeatedly reconfirming basic operations.

While trainee reactions vary, the common feedback is that it "provides an image of what it's like to actually enter the tracks." A significant value lies in the ability to experience the sensation of "looking at a train head-on," which can normally only be obtained on platforms or at level crossings, in a safe environment. Some trainees are so surprised they freeze, and "experiencing the most dangerous state of being unable to move in the field during training" is also a unique effect of this content.

Scene of 4 people undergoing VR training simultaneously Projected onto a monitor to share the same screen in real-time

Furthermore, a flexible operational approach is being taken for each branch utilizing this content, allowing them to "use it according to their objectives and freely devise their own methods at each site."

"It's already too late when you have a close call," and "It's most frightening when a serious accident occurs without even a close call." -- That is precisely why we cultivate the "sense to notice" danger through safe training. This content is an initiative that pursues "realism" through close collaboration between developers and users in the field of railway maintenance construction, where safety is paramount and cannot be compromised, setting a new guideline for future VR utilization.

Future Development

This content is currently being expanded to branches in the Kanazawa, Kinki, and Chugoku areas, as well as the Sanyo Shinkansen, and to affiliated group companies. In parallel, development of a second phase of content, covering topics such as track-laying vehicle derailment at level crossings and track closure procedures, is also underway.

We will continue to exchange opinions regularly with Rail Tech and aim to realize more practical and effective educational training by continuously updating the software to reflect on-site needs and accident examples. Furthermore, we will contribute to the prevention of train collision accidents by fostering the establishment of safe evacuation behavior and instantaneous judgment skills through this content.

Related Links

- Development Achievements: "VR Training for Track Entry to Prevent Train Collision Accidents"

- Customer Voices: "Realizing VR Training for Track Entry and Evacuation Behavior to Prevent Train Collision Accidents"

About Tsumikiseisaku Co., Ltd.

With a vision to "Design the Future of All Industries," Tsumikiseisaku is an xR solutions company proven by its track record. With the slogan "The highest quality VR changes on-site awareness," the company has a top-class track record in Japan in developing safety education and technology transfer content utilizing VR/AR/MR. By fusing cutting-edge technology with extensive knowledge, we provide immersive XR solutions that directly address on-site challenges.

Location: 9F Kinshicho Sunrise Bldg., 2-14-7 Koto-bashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Established: September 2003

URL: https://tsumikiseisaku.com/

[Contact Information for This Matter]

Tsumikiseisaku Co., Ltd.

TEL: 03-6666-9220

Email: info@tsumikiseisaku.com