Fondazione SAFE proudly announces the completion of the VERTIgO project (G.A. EDIDP-SVTE-2020-047-VERTIgO), a groundbreaking initiative that ran from December 2021 to May 2024 with a budget of €2.736 million . VERTIgO has set a new standard in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense training by designing a training ecosystem that integrates advanced Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to support the definition of highly immersive training scenarios for CBRN military and civilian operators.
The project’s core achievements include the design of the European Exercises Simulation Platform (EESP) and the development of a prototype integrating a functioning CBRN Mask with a VR headset. The combination of these innovative software and hardware has enabled the design and deployment of a CBRN training solution that places the end-user at its centre, enabling trainers to modify and create CBRN VR training scenarios independently, and operators to train in highly realistic and immersive 3D environments.
As the coordinator, Fondazione SAFE was involved horizontally in all VERTIgO aspects, from leading cutting-edge research to defining the Concept of Operations of the EESP and the Integrated CBRN VR Mask. Fondazione SAFE was instrumental in designing VR training tutorials that help users navigate the EESP, supporting them in creating and rolling out independently CBRN scenarios that fit their own training needs.
In May 2024, the VERTIgO project came to an end with two key activities. The first, hosted in Rieti by the Joint NBC Defence School, key project partner, took place between 6 – 9 May 2024. The activity involved 14 voluntary CBRN military operators from various EU Member States, who engaged in rigorous testing and validation of the EESP and the Integrated CBRN VR Mask. The sessions uniquely blended real-life training with VR simulations, confirming the added value of VR as a technology that can provide an immersive, cost-efficient and safe learning environment for CBRN operators. In parallel, a dedicated Train-the-Trainer session was rolled out to personnel of the Joint NBC Defence School to educate instructors on utilizing the EESP platform effectively as trainers. This ensures the sustained use of the EESP at the Joint NBC Defence School, thereby continuously improving the school’s CBRN training capabilities.
The VERTIgO project concluded with a final celebration on 21 May 2024 in Rome, hosted at the Istituto Affari Internazionali. The event was attended by over 50 high-level stakeholders from academia, industry and the Italian Ministry of Defense, including the Deputy Secretary General of Defence. This gathering not only marked the project’s successful conclusion but also set the stage for future advancements in CBRN training technologies.
The VERTIgO project represented a pivotal moment for Fondazione SAFE, demonstrating the powerful role of VR technology in transforming CBRN training. The success of this project catalyzes Fondazione SAFE’s ongoing commitment to leveraging virtual reality as a key educational tool, ensuring that emergency responders are better prepared for future challenges.
Looking ahead, Fondazione SAFE is dedicated to advancing these technological integrations, reinforcing our leadership in promoting safety and preparedness on a global scale. We look forward to continuing the exploitation of VERTIgO’s important achievements in our upcoming activities.
