Summary:

In this episode of Acadicus Simulation Pulse Live, Rick Castile and Bill Ballo dive into the essentials of setting up and managing a VR lab, sharing lessons learned from Bill’s experience at Madison College’s XR Center. They provide a step-by-step guide for creating scalable VR labs, highlight best practices for collaboration with IT teams, and discuss hardware choices for maximizing performance.

The conversation touches on budget considerations, hardware and software decisions, and how to future-proof your VR lab. The team also reflects on VR’s role in transforming simulation-based education, emphasizing the importance of planning and testing infrastructure to ensure success at scale.

Episode Highlights:

• Inside Madison College’s XR Center:
  • A 12-bay setup for PC-based and standalone VR with a debrief area.
  • $250,000 investment included HVAC upgrades, custom content, and clean boxes.
  • Lessons from expansion – considering next steps like adding a debrief hub and instructor control area.
• Hardware Decisions & Why They Chose Meta Quest 3:
  • Transitioning from HP Reverb G2 to Meta Quest 3 for:
    • Better field of view and pass-through safety features.
    • Dual-purpose functionality as both PC VR and standalone headsets.
    • Strong market support for Meta headsets ensures longevity.
  • Upcoming switch to Lenovo Legion laptops for enterprise-grade gaming and efficiency.
• Designing the Lab:
  • Physical dividers used for defining space, not soundproofing.
  • Adjustable-height tables and simple wired peripherals for cost savings.
  • UV CleanBox hygiene systems for shared headsets.
• Collaborating with IT and Networking Teams:
  • Engage IT early to address bandwidth, router, and Wi-Fi requirements.
  • Build direct relationships with network admins and desktop engineers.
  • Use demo equipment from manufacturers to test performance before purchasing.
• Scaling Up VR Labs:
  • The importance of hardwired connections over Wi-Fi for stability.
  • Madison College’s record of 15 users in a single simulation lab—emphasizing the need for robust networks.
  • Avoiding reliance on helpdesk tickets—go directly to key IT personnel.
• Tips for Managing Equipment:
  • Use cleaning sprays and alcohol wipes for headset hygiene.
  • Test and select headset straps, tables, and accessories based on user needs.
  • Future-proofing hardware choices to avoid obsolescence (e.g., moving away from Windows Mixed Reality).

This episode provides a blueprint for schools and organizations looking to establish VR labs, sharing invaluable lessons about infrastructure, hardware, and collaboration. Whether you’re starting small or planning a large-scale deployment, proactive planning, strong IT relationships, and scalable hardware are key to creating a successful VR simulation center.