ForgeFX Simulations Wins Again: Secures GSA Deal with SciTech Services, Inc. to Revolutionize Warfighter Training with Cutting-Edge Mixed Reality Simulators

ForgeFX wins GSA subcontract to deliver unlocked sandbox CBRN simulation product, featuring Draeger’s X-am 8000, significantly advancing the Department of Defense’s HoloTrainer project.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 – Today ForgeFX Simulations announces the award of a pivotal General Service Administration (GSA) subcontract from SciTech Services, Inc., to extend the Enhanced Warfighter Augmented Trainer (EWAT), or HoloTrainer, project for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). SciTech Services, Inc., Prime Contractor and veteran provider of research and development to the DOD, was awarded the GSA contract from the U.S. Department of Defense Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense’s (JPEO-CBRND) Joint Project Manager for CBRN Special Operations Forces (JPM CBRN SOF). This award marks a significant advancement in the training of JPM CBRN SOF’s EWAT initiative, underscoring their commitment to enhancing their military personnel’s operational readiness and decision-making skills through innovative mixed reality technologies.

The CBRND HoloTrainer is a suite of augmented reality CBRND device training simulators designed to accelerate operational readiness for warfighters anywhere, anytime. Supported by Microsoft’s HoloLens 2, the HoloTrainer creates a comprehensive training platform to improve the operational readiness of military personnel through realistic training scenarios on over a dozen CBRN detection devices. The inclusion of high-fidelity digital twins of the actual devices in a mixed-reality environment emphasizes safety and efficiency in CBRN response scenarios. The added enhancement of networked multiuser functionality facilitates remote, collaborative training, ensuring expert instructor training is available in the lesson, regardless of the end user’s physical location. Guided lessons instruct trainees in parts familiarization, modes of operation, maintenance and calibration procedures, and more.

Previous installments of the HoloTrainer were delivered in partnership between ForgeFX Simulations and MRIGlobal, an independent not-for-profit organization specializing in contract research and development. Under the latest HoloTrainer installment, SciTech Services, Inc. and ForgeFX Simulations partner to continue the project’s advancement by delivering an unguided sandbox simulation product featuring Draeger’s X-am 8000. Draeger, a respected manufacturer in CBRN technology, has made significant contributions to the HoloTrainer, acting as subject matter experts for both guided and unguided simulations for the X-am 8000 device.

“Developing the EWAT HoloTrainer project for the JPM CBRN SOF has been an extraordinary journey for us at ForgeFX Simulations and all of the CBRND device manufacturers and subject matter experts we’ve had the pleasure of working with. This networked multiuser mixed reality CBRN detection device training simulator is a remarkable achievement in immersive learning technologies. It’s not just a training tool but a leap forward in preparing operatives for complex, real-world scenarios. By integrating advanced mixed reality with networked, multi-user capabilities, we’ve created an environment where teams can train together in highly realistic simulations, no matter where they are located. This level of realism and interactivity is unprecedented in CBRN training. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this technological advancement, providing solutions that significantly enhance the readiness and capabilities of the Department of Defense and our special operations forces all around the world.” Greg Meyers, CEO and Co-Founder of ForgeFX Simulations

The delivery of the unguided simulation product for the X-am 8000 represents a significant leap forward in preparing warfighters for real-world scenarios with a highly immersive training experience that exposes warfighters to the complexities of monitoring and identifying multiple hazardous gases without predefined guidance. By engaging with the simulation in an unstructured environment, trainees develop critical thinking and decision-making skills, mirroring the unpredictability and pressure of actual field conditions.

The Draeger X-am 8000, capable of monitoring up to seven gases through five configurable sensors, is central to this training evolution. The configuration specific to this simulation product allows the device to detect iBut, co2, ch4, H2S, CO, HCN, and O2. The inclusion of the O2 sensor allows it to act as a personal protection and air quality alarm system.

This aspect of the training is crucial, as it teaches warfighters to recognize and react to life-threatening variations in oxygen levels and other lethal gaseous environments, a common and dangerous scenario in CBRN operations. The unguided format of this simulation encourages warfighters to explore and interact with the virtual device independently, fostering a deeper understanding of the X-am 8000’s functionalities and operational procedures.

This learning method is instrumental in building confidence and competence, ensuring that military personnel are better equipped to handle the Draeger X-am 8000 efficiently and safely before entering the hazards of real-world application. This breakthrough in training methodology, facilitated by the collaborative efforts of SciTech Services, Inc., Draeger, and ForgeFX Simulations, underscores a commitment to advancing military readiness through cutting-edge technology.

The unguided lesson format not only enhances the practical skills of our warfighters but also prepares them mentally for the complexities of CBRN missions, significantly boosting their operational readiness.

As ForgeFX Simulations continues the exciting journey with the JPM CBRN SOF we extend an invitation to forward-thinking organizations aiming to transform their training environments to contact us. ForgeFX’s pioneering solutions, featuring networked multi-user augmented reality training through the holographic projection of fully interactable digital twins, are at the forefront of immersive learning technologies. If your goal is to advance operational efficiency, enrich educational endeavors, or navigate the forefront of training innovations, ForgeFX stands ready to make your vision a reality. Reach out to us to explore how our award-winning approaches can be customized to suit the specific needs of your projects, propelling your training infrastructure into a new era of excellence.

 

About ForgeFX Simulations
ForgeFX is a training simulation software development company. Founded in 2002, ForgeFX develops high-quality custom interactive 3D simulation and visualization software products for clients across a wide array of industries. Leveraging high-fidelity 3D graphics and game engine development tools, ForgeFX provides mixed-reality application development services for clients looking to distribute interactive simulation-based training solutions. Employed by industries including national defense, healthcare, pharmaceutical, insurance, mining, construction, and transportation, ForgeFX’s products produce measurable improvements in trainee engagement and knowledge retention. For more information, visit: https://forgefx.com/

About SciTech
SciTech Services, Inc. has been a dedicated research, development, testing, engineering, and life science service provider to the Department of Defense (DOD) and other government entities for over 30 years. SciTech supports critical DOD sectors, including the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations, in addition to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aiding in biomedical research, vaccine development, and clinical trials. For more information, visit: https://scitechinc.com/

About Draeger
Draeger manufactures medical and safety technology products. Protecting, supporting, and saving people’s lives worldwide in hospitals, fire departments, emergency services, authorities, mining, and industry. Founded in Lübeck in 1889, Draeger has grown into a worldwide, listed enterprise in its fifth generation as a family-run business. For more information, visit: https://www.draeger.com/en-us_us/Home

About JPEO-CBRND
The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) mission is to provide integrated layered chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense capabilities to the Joint Force across combined Joint All-Domain Operations. JPEO-CBRND’s goal is to enable the Joint Force to fight and win unencumbered by a CBRN environment. To learn more about JPEO-CBRND, visit: https://www.jpeocbrnd.osd.mil/, or follow JPEO-CBRND on social media @JPEOCBRND.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this press release reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, nor the United States Government.