BlueRoom: mixed reality training for real-world impact
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Meet BlueRoom Simulations: the company leading the way in using mixed reality technology to revolutionise emergency training and drive global change.
Sometimes technology isn’t just a tool, sometimes it’s a driver of change.
Take BlueRoom Simulations as an example.
Co-founded by Ben Krynski, a former paramedic with a deep passion for pre-hospital medicine, BlueRoom has set out to revolutionise how emergency responders prepare for high-pressure scenarios.
Play ‘BlueRoom Simulations: How using mixed reality could help save lives’ video (duration 2:50).
From local idea to global impact
Founded in St Kilda, Victoria, BlueRoom began with a simple yet powerful mission: to solve the problem of training for environments too dangerous or inaccessible in real life.
Backed by the Australian Defence Force, it transformed this vision from an innovative prototype into a globally recognised system.
Knowing the limitations of virtual reality for fine motor skills training, Ben instead envisioned a solution that combined immersive virtual environments with real-world tools.
Today, thanks to BlueRoom, responders can refine essential skills in realistic simulations of hard-to-reach or hazardous settings.
From aeroplanes and combat zones to intricate structures like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, BlueRoom’s technology enables trainees to immerse themselves in challenging environments, all from the safety of a studio.
Reimagining reality
BlueRoom’s mixed reality training goes beyond the virtual, says Ben.
“It combines real-life equipment with immersive simulations to create unparalleled opportunities for learning and skill-building.”
BlueRoom’s evolution is rooted in a commitment to continuous feedback, adapting its simulations to meet diverse needs.
Starting with a C-130 Hercules aircraft, BlueRoom has now expanded to include Black Hawk helicopter simulations and even scenarios like night-vision training in Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle ambulances.
Meanwhile, the modern rise in global conflicts, from humanitarian crises to combat situations, has increased the demand for portable systems capable of providing fast, low-cost training in challenging environments.
"Our goal was to bring immersive training to places where it was most needed. We’ve seen our technology create real impact, not just in Australia, but across the globe.”
Ben Krynski
Innovation at its heart
At the heart of BlueRoom’s success lies the world’s most advanced mixed reality headset, Vario, designed in Finland.
These headsets blend virtual and real objects seamlessly, with a unique blue screen technology that contrasts the more well-known ‘green screen’.
While green screens replace the background entirely, blue screens allow users to see their hands and interact with real-world equipment in virtual spaces, creating an unmatched level of realism.
Complementing the hardware is BlueRoom’s proprietary software, Mission Control, which revolutionises the training experience.
It enables users to complete simulated challenges while tracking physiological data, such as eye movements, stress levels and heart rates.
All of this information is integrated into a debriefing function for post-action reviews, providing detailed performance analysis and insights.
For example, trainers can identify when a user administered too much medication in a simulation and explore the contributing factors, like elevated heart rates or distracted gazes.
The power of connectivity
Not surprisingly, fast and reliable# connectivity is the backbone of BlueRoom’s operations.
BlueRoom recently took advantage of upgrading to nbn’s full fibre^ to support its important work.
“With faster internet speeds, our team can share data efficiently, collaborate globally, and focus on our mission without the limitations of lag,” says Dale Linegar, Chief Technology Officer at BlueRoom.
The nbn® network is enabling BlueRoom to bridge gaps between innovation and application, empowering responders to train with precision and helping to shape a safer, smarter future for communities around the world.
nbn is very happy with BlueRoom Simulations’ experience with the nbn® network. Of course, experiences may vary. Your experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn® network depends on the nbn® access network technology and configuration over which services are delivered to your premises, whether you are using the internet during the busy period, and some factors outside nbn’s control like equipment quality, software, broadband plan, signal reception and how your service provider designs its network.
^ Conditions, eligibility criteria and costs will apply – please speak with your preferred provider. Eligibility criteria includes among other things, being designated by nbn as a simple premises and placing an order for an nbn powered plan based on an eligible wholesale speed tier. Additional costs may apply to providers, who may choose to pass this charge onto their customers.
# An end customer’s experience, including speeds actually achieved, depends on some factors outside nbn’s control (like equipment quality, software, and how a retail service provider designs its network) and the nbn technology used for the connection.