FLAIM AND FORTUNE

VIRTUAL reality is set to help prepare the state’s firefighters for battle as Deakin researchers look to make take their research from the lab to the real-world.

Deakin University has launched a new business to share its firefighting simulator, the FLAIM Trainer, a Geelong-based start-up aimed at commercialising research.

Associate Professor and FLAIM Systems chief technology officer James Mullins said the launch was an important step forward for research products with potentially lifesaving applications.

“FLAIM trainer and subsequent commercialready solutions . . . have the capacity to be used in fire departments, training schools and other training providers — the global market for these services is potentially worth more than $3 billion,” he said.

Mr Mullins said the systemstem used an immersive virtual reality environment — combined d with a patented haptics feedbackk system, breathing apparatustus and heated personal protective clothing — to provide a unique training experience.

He said the system could uld prove to be a safe, low-costst and mobile solution to simulate a range of fire events and conditions — and allow firefighters to train more, train better, and train anywhere.

The new venture is set to be on display at the AFACC Fire and Emergency Management Conferencee 2017 in Sydney this week.