RE-liON, based in Twente, strengthens Defense with virtual innovation

High-tech with impact

The special VR equipment system developed by RE-liON is ready for use at the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. Several training sets are stored on shelves: smart vests with integrated sensors, combined with a helmet that is linked to a virtual reality platform. The complete equipment weighs about twelve kilos.

Most of that weight is on the back, where a compact computer is attached. As soon as soldiers put on the system and the VR helmet, they enter the same virtual environment together with up to eleven colleagues. Within seconds, they find themselves in a trench, in the middle of an urban operation or in a scenario in which drones are approaching.

Safe training under realistic conditions
A variety of situations are simulated in specially equipped training rooms. The participants move around the room physically while having to make decisions under high pressure in the digital world. Because every movement is recorded, from walking routes and viewing direction to shooting posture and reaction time, a complete insight into the participant's actions is created. This makes training not only more realistic, but also more objective and measurable.

Nevertheless, the technology does not replace military training. According to Tim Nijland of RE-liON, the system is intended to complement existing forms of training. Those who want to learn how to shoot still go to the shooting range. But those who want to understand when and why a decision is made can train that cognitive layer in the simulation. The system therefore focuses primarily on decision-making, cooperation and acting under pressure.

Innovation from Twente with international reach
What makes this innovation special is the combination of technological expertise and practical applicability. Twente is known for its strong high-tech ecosystem, with close cooperation between entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions and governments. This cooperation makes it possible to develop, test and scale up quickly.

The innovation is now also finding its way to international users. In addition to Dutch units, foreign security services are also making use of the virtual training courses. In this way, the innovation demonstrates how regional high-tech can contribute to international security issues.

Would you like to know what this innovation looks like in practice? RTV Oost visited RE-liON: watch on Youtube.