December 25, 2023

Overview

To provide a hands-on learning experience in supply chain management, I led the development of a cutting-edge VR training app for Tecnológico de Monterrey. This app, designed for use with the HTC Vive and the KatWalk omnidirectional treadmill, allows students to navigate realistic supply chain scenarios in a fully immersive virtual environment.

Key Features

• 8 Interactive Simulations: Each simulation recreates a key phase of the supply chain, offering users a detailed understanding of logistics processes. Modules include:
  • Warehouse Management: Navigate a virtual warehouse to organize inventory and optimize storage.
  • Unloading Ship Containers Safely: Experience the challenges of unloading containers, focusing on safety protocols and efficiency.
  • Stock Handling: Learn the essentials of stock management, from inventory checks to categorization.
  • Pallet Organization: Practice stacking and arranging pallets inside containers to maximize space and balance load safely.
  • Road Distribution Route Planning: Develop efficient distribution routes, learning how to plan and optimize road logistics to reduce transportation costs and improve delivery times.
• Advanced VR Mobility: The integration with the KatWalk omnidirectional treadmill allows users to physically walk, turn, and move freely within the virtual space, creating a highly realistic training experience. This feature enables users to fully immerse themselves in scenarios that mimic real-world environments.
• Immersive, Engaging Learning: Designed for a university setting, this app offers students a unique blend of theory and practice, helping them build practical skills in logistics and supply chain management. By simulating real tasks and challenges, it prepares them for the complexities of working in the industry.

Technologies Used

• Unity 3D: For creating the PC VR app for HTC Vive.
• Azure DevOps: For managing the development process and tools.
• Azure Tools: For managing the backend systems.
• Figma: For creating and managing design assets and prototypes.

Challenges and Learnings

One of the main challenges was translating theoretical concepts from educators into effective virtual experiences that achieved educational objectives. This required close collaboration between the development team and education specialists to ensure that each simulation was not only technically accurate but also pedagogically effective. Another significant challenge was implementing a local reporting system due to client security restrictions, which led us to develop a robust solution that allowed tracking student progress without relying on external APIs. The integration of the KatWalk 2 omnidirectional treadmill with the VR system presented unique technical challenges, requiring meticulous work to ensure a smooth and natural experience for users. The KatWalk 2 integration specifically required custom calibration and movement mapping to accurately translate physical movements into the virtual environment while maintaining the educational context of each simulation.

Outcome

This project successfully bridged the gap between traditional lab settings and innovative VR learning, offering students a modern, interactive way to master practical skills.