Locals can experience a new era of fire safety training through augmented reality (AR), thanks to a project led by Massey University.

This innovative approach integrates real-world environments with virtual instructions, showing promising results in retaining crucial safety information.

Massey University's project introduced an AR prototype that immerses users in a simulated fire scenario.

Wearing headsets, participants receive step-by-step instructions from a virtual firefighter, learning how to navigate and exit a burning building.

The study, led by Dr Daniel Paes, compared AR training with traditional video-based methods.

“We found that while knowledge levels were comparable, AR training was more efficient in providing self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation, which are important factors for learning performance,” Dr Paes said.

Four weeks after training, AR participants retained their knowledge significantly better than those trained with conventional methods.

The research highlighted the motivational boost AR training provides, with participants reporting nearly 100% higher motivation levels compared to the other group.

The prototype's versatility allows it to be used in any building, making it a mobile and adaptable training system.

“Our goal was to determine the viability of AR as a tool for fire safety training. The results showed AR has merit to be used as a tool in these situations, not just because it’s fun to play with but because they’re learning by doing and retaining important, life-saving information,” Dr Paes explained.

As the project progresses, the team plans to refine the AR prototype to enhance its interactive features.

Dr Paes and his colleagues envision widespread adoption of this technology, aiming to collaborate with global safety committees and fire safety organisations.

Beyond fire safety, AR’s potential applications are vast, ranging from disaster preparedness to vocational training.

Massey University's team is already developing AR-based modules for operating fire extinguishers and preparing for disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes.

This pioneering research by Dr Paes and his team, including Dr Zhenan Feng, Maddy King, Hesam Shad, Dr Prasanth Sasikumar, Dr Diego Pujoni, and Associate Professor Ruggiero Lovreglio, is setting new standards in safety training.