Cluster Inc. Conducts Demonstration Research of VR Rehabilitation System in Namibian Correctional Facilities in Collaboration with UN and Japanese Government
Key facts
- Cluster Inc. Conducts Demonstration Research of VR Rehabilitation System in Namibian Correctional Facilities in Collaboration with UN and Japanese Government
- Cluster Inc. has conducted a demonstration study of a VR rehabilitation and social reintegration support system for inmates in Namibian correctional facilities, in collaboration with the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). Commissioned by the Japanese government, the project aims to enhance inmates' self-efficacy and emotional control through VR crisis response training, thereby contributing to recidivism prevention.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 10, 2026
Direct answer
Cluster Inc. has conducted a demonstration study of a VR rehabilitation and social reintegration support system for inmates in Namibian correctional facilities, in collaboration with the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). Commissioned by the Japanese government, the project aims to enhance inmates' self-efficacy and emotional control through VR crisis response training, thereby contributing to recidivism prevention.
- Citation
- Cluster Inc. Conducts Demonstration Research of VR Rehabilitation System in Namibian Correctional Facilities in Collaboration with UN and Japanese Government (June 10, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 10, 2026
Cluster Inc. has conducted a demonstration study of a VR rehabilitation and social reintegration support system for inmates in Namibian correctional facilities, in collaboration with the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). Commissioned by the Japanese government, the project aims to enhance inmates' self-efficacy and emotional control through VR crisis response training, thereby contributing to recidivism prevention.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 10, 2026 at 09:21
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:51 (55h 30m after Collected)
Cluster Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Naoto Kato; hereinafter "Cluster") is pleased to announce that it has conducted a demonstration study of a rehabilitation and social reintegration support system utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) technology for inmates in correctional facilities in the Republic of Namibia, in collaboration with the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).
This project, commissioned by the Japanese government, aims to contribute to the prevention of recidivism by enhancing inmates' self-efficacy and emotional control capabilities through crisis response training within VR environments. A workshop held in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, from March 10-12, 2026, was attended by H.E. Mr. Shinichi Aso, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Namibia. During the workshop, system operation training was provided to Namibian Correctional Service staff, VR experience tests were conducted by inmates, and case studies of VR technology adoption in prisons in other countries were shared.
■ Background and Challenges
Recidivism prevention is a universal challenge in the field of criminal justice. Developing countries, in particular, face difficulties in implementing effective rehabilitation and social reintegration programs due to a shortage of specialized staff and support infrastructure. In Namibia, social issues include violent crimes such as assault and injury stemming from problematic alcohol consumption, and drug-related offenses linked to illicit substance use.
This project is positioned as the third phase of the "Digital Rehabilitation" research project that UNAFEI has been jointly conducting with UNICRI since fiscal year 2023. Through this VR technology-based demonstration study, the aim is to build a new model for rehabilitation and social reintegration support in developing countries.
■ Overview of the VR Rehabilitation System
The system is developed based on Cluster's metaverse platform technology and possesses the following features:
【Scenario-Based VR Experience】
In VR spaces recreating two crisis situations – on the streets and in a bar in Namibia – users select and learn desirable coping behaviors when faced with temptations of alcohol or drug use. The VR scenarios are designed to gradually increase social pressure as they progress, supporting the acquisition of practical coping skills.
【Biometric Data-Linked Evaluation System】
Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) and heart rate are measured in real-time and recorded in synchronization with the progression of the VR scenario. When an operator runs a scenario via a web interface, markings are automatically placed on the biometric data timeline, allowing for objective analysis of physiological responses to specific stimuli. This enables the construction of a multifaceted evaluation model comprising three layers: cognitive (choice of action), emotional (physiological response), and behavioral (movement trajectory).
【Multi-Device Support and Operation Assistance Functions】
In addition to the experience via VR headsets (Meta Quest 3S), operators can control scenarios in real-time from PCs and tablets. The user interface is designed to be intuitive, even for local staff unfamiliar with VR technology. Considering the relatively low literacy rates among inmates, a pictogram-based UI design that minimizes language dependency has been adopted wherever possible.
■ Safety and Ethical Considerations
The system incorporates thorough physical safety measures, including the adoption of teleportation movement to prevent VR sickness, structured protocols limiting each scenario to under three minutes, the inclusion of rest points, and emergency stop functions for both participants (inmates) and operators (local staff). From a psychological safety perspective, the design employs positive reinforcement and non-punitive framing, avoiding stimuli that might recall traumatic experiences. Data protection is ensured through complete anonymization and encryption processes.
■ Significance of This Project
As one of Japan's largest metaverse platforms, Cluster boasts over 100,000 worlds and has a proven track record in the entertainment sector. This project represents an initiative to apply our VR and metaverse technologies to solve social issues and is positioned as an international social contribution activity in collaboration with UNICRI and the Japanese government.
The insights gained from this demonstration study have the potential for future deployment in correctional facilities in other developing countries and within Japan, contributing to the establishment of international standards for rehabilitation and social reintegration support utilizing VR technology.
■ Project Overview
Project Name: Demonstration Research of VR Rehabilitation System for Inmate Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration
Implementing Body: United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI)
Collaborating Organizations: United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), Namibian Correctional Service
Technology Provider: Cluster Inc.
Funding Cooperation: Government of Japan
Implementation Period: 2025 onwards
Implementation Location: Correctional facilities within the Republic of Namibia
■ About Cluster Inc.
Cluster Inc. is a technology company that develops and operates one of Japan's largest metaverse platforms, with the vision to "Create the OS for co-creation spaces that connect all people, things, and technologies." Centered around its proprietary large-scale concurrent connection infrastructure, it provides co-creation space infrastructure that fuses the real and virtual. Adopted across diverse industries including manufacturing, construction, education, international conferences, and entertainment, it supports multiple devices such as smartphones, PCs, and VR. It has built real-time spaces capable of supporting up to 100,000 concurrent users and has a track record with numerous IP contents and large-scale events. It continues to grow as a BtoB platform that achieves both commercial use and scalability, equipped with high reliability and extensibility.
Furthermore, by establishing an in-house research institute, Cluster promotes R&D in areas such as user behavior analysis, virtual AI agents, and AI-driven 3D production automation. It also actively engages in joint research and demonstration experiments with external research institutions and universities, accelerating the evolution of metaverse technology.
Fusing technology and creativity to pioneer the future of virtual experiences—Cluster continues to build the next generation of social infrastructure.
https://corp.cluster.mu/
A media outlet where you can learn about the forefront of Cluster Inc.'s B2B business:
https://metaversebiznews.cluster.mu/
This project, commissioned by the Japanese government, aims to contribute to the prevention of recidivism by enhancing inmates' self-efficacy and emotional control capabilities through crisis response training within VR environments. A workshop held in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, from March 10-12, 2026, was attended by H.E. Mr. Shinichi Aso, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Namibia. During the workshop, system operation training was provided to Namibian Correctional Service staff, VR experience tests were conducted by inmates, and case studies of VR technology adoption in prisons in other countries were shared.
■ Background and Challenges
Recidivism prevention is a universal challenge in the field of criminal justice. Developing countries, in particular, face difficulties in implementing effective rehabilitation and social reintegration programs due to a shortage of specialized staff and support infrastructure. In Namibia, social issues include violent crimes such as assault and injury stemming from problematic alcohol consumption, and drug-related offenses linked to illicit substance use.
This project is positioned as the third phase of the "Digital Rehabilitation" research project that UNAFEI has been jointly conducting with UNICRI since fiscal year 2023. Through this VR technology-based demonstration study, the aim is to build a new model for rehabilitation and social reintegration support in developing countries.
■ Overview of the VR Rehabilitation System
The system is developed based on Cluster's metaverse platform technology and possesses the following features:
【Scenario-Based VR Experience】
In VR spaces recreating two crisis situations – on the streets and in a bar in Namibia – users select and learn desirable coping behaviors when faced with temptations of alcohol or drug use. The VR scenarios are designed to gradually increase social pressure as they progress, supporting the acquisition of practical coping skills.
【Biometric Data-Linked Evaluation System】
Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) and heart rate are measured in real-time and recorded in synchronization with the progression of the VR scenario. When an operator runs a scenario via a web interface, markings are automatically placed on the biometric data timeline, allowing for objective analysis of physiological responses to specific stimuli. This enables the construction of a multifaceted evaluation model comprising three layers: cognitive (choice of action), emotional (physiological response), and behavioral (movement trajectory).
【Multi-Device Support and Operation Assistance Functions】
In addition to the experience via VR headsets (Meta Quest 3S), operators can control scenarios in real-time from PCs and tablets. The user interface is designed to be intuitive, even for local staff unfamiliar with VR technology. Considering the relatively low literacy rates among inmates, a pictogram-based UI design that minimizes language dependency has been adopted wherever possible.
■ Safety and Ethical Considerations
The system incorporates thorough physical safety measures, including the adoption of teleportation movement to prevent VR sickness, structured protocols limiting each scenario to under three minutes, the inclusion of rest points, and emergency stop functions for both participants (inmates) and operators (local staff). From a psychological safety perspective, the design employs positive reinforcement and non-punitive framing, avoiding stimuli that might recall traumatic experiences. Data protection is ensured through complete anonymization and encryption processes.
■ Significance of This Project
As one of Japan's largest metaverse platforms, Cluster boasts over 100,000 worlds and has a proven track record in the entertainment sector. This project represents an initiative to apply our VR and metaverse technologies to solve social issues and is positioned as an international social contribution activity in collaboration with UNICRI and the Japanese government.
The insights gained from this demonstration study have the potential for future deployment in correctional facilities in other developing countries and within Japan, contributing to the establishment of international standards for rehabilitation and social reintegration support utilizing VR technology.
■ Project Overview
Project Name: Demonstration Research of VR Rehabilitation System for Inmate Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration
Implementing Body: United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI)
Collaborating Organizations: United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), Namibian Correctional Service
Technology Provider: Cluster Inc.
Funding Cooperation: Government of Japan
Implementation Period: 2025 onwards
Implementation Location: Correctional facilities within the Republic of Namibia
■ About Cluster Inc.
Cluster Inc. is a technology company that develops and operates one of Japan's largest metaverse platforms, with the vision to "Create the OS for co-creation spaces that connect all people, things, and technologies." Centered around its proprietary large-scale concurrent connection infrastructure, it provides co-creation space infrastructure that fuses the real and virtual. Adopted across diverse industries including manufacturing, construction, education, international conferences, and entertainment, it supports multiple devices such as smartphones, PCs, and VR. It has built real-time spaces capable of supporting up to 100,000 concurrent users and has a track record with numerous IP contents and large-scale events. It continues to grow as a BtoB platform that achieves both commercial use and scalability, equipped with high reliability and extensibility.
Furthermore, by establishing an in-house research institute, Cluster promotes R&D in areas such as user behavior analysis, virtual AI agents, and AI-driven 3D production automation. It also actively engages in joint research and demonstration experiments with external research institutions and universities, accelerating the evolution of metaverse technology.
Fusing technology and creativity to pioneer the future of virtual experiences—Cluster continues to build the next generation of social infrastructure.
https://corp.cluster.mu/
A media outlet where you can learn about the forefront of Cluster Inc.'s B2B business:
https://metaversebiznews.cluster.mu/
FAQ
What was the purpose of developing this VR system?
It was developed to enhance inmates' self-efficacy, improve emotional control, and prevent recidivism.
What is the background for implementing this system in Namibian correctional facilities?
To build a new model using VR technology to address the challenge of insufficient effective rehabilitation programs in developing countries.
What impact does the VR experience have on inmates?
It is expected to help inmates acquire practical skills and boost self-efficacy through crisis response training.
Who is the implementing body for this project?
The United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI) is the implementing body, with Cluster Inc. providing the technology.
How will this technology be utilized in the future?
It is expected to be deployed in correctional facilities in other developing countries and within Japan, contributing to the establishment of international standards for rehabilitation support.