WSPiA Rzeszów takes a leap in modernizing education, offering students in the “Transport Management, Freight Forwarding, and Logistics” specialization access to advanced virtual reality simulators. The simulators replicate warehouse goods reception and container stowage processes, enhancing practical learning experiences.
WSPiA Rzeszów, a renowned institution known for its emphasis on integrating modern technology into student learning, is set to provide an innovative approach to education with the introduction of two state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) simulators. The simulators, valued at nearly 350,000 PLN, have been procured as part of the institution’s ongoing commitment to equipping students with cutting-edge tools for their academic journey.
According to Przemysław Pawlak, the spokesperson for WSPiA Rzeszów, the university has a history of pioneering technology-driven educational enhancements. In addition to being the first institution to acquire an electronic shooting range, it has also been a trailblazer in utilizing the “Virtual Crime Scene” simulators since 2019. These tools aid students in learning crisis management, emergency response, disaster recovery, and business simulations.
The newly acquired VR simulators, along with accompanying equipment, cater specifically to students enrolled in the “Transport Management, Freight Forwarding, and Logistics” program. With a combined cost close to 350,000 PLN, these simulators will be integrated into the curriculum starting the upcoming academic year.
The first of these simulators immerses students into a realistic warehouse environment. This simulator replicates the activities involved in receiving and handling goods within a warehouse. Equipped with VR controllers, users navigate through a virtual warehouse setup that closely resembles an actual goods reception area, complete with sorting zones, loading docks with open trailers, and temporary storage sections. The simulator guides students through various tasks, including quantity and quality checks of goods, weighing items, and generating warehouse documentation.
Przemysław Pawlak highlighted that this simulator offers five distinct scenarios, each featuring specific parameters such as types and quantities of received products, potential quality or quantity discrepancies, and more. Users are empowered to address any inconsistencies by generating discrepancy reports and placing non-compliant items in designated areas. The simulator adheres to current procedures, ensuring students gain practical experience in compliance with industry standards.
The second VR simulator focuses on replicating a container port environment, allowing users to navigate freely across the entire facility. This tool serves as a training platform for container stowage processes, crucial for ensuring cargo is securely loaded onto vessels before departing the port. In a controlled VR environment, users gain a deep understanding of loading procedures, securing cargo with wooden supports, planks, and restraining straps.
Pawlak emphasized that this simulator provides instructors the flexibility to create custom scenarios, enabling them to define container sizes and types of cargo to be loaded, such as pallets with various items, open crates, or goods on wooden bases.
Both simulators were made possible through European Union funding as part of the “Modern University” project, under the Comprehensive Programs for Higher Education (3.5) within the Knowledge Education Development 2014-2020 Operational Program, co-financed by the European Social Fund.
As WSPiA Rzeszów continues to innovate and elevate the learning experience, these immersive VR simulators stand as a testament to the institution’s dedication to preparing students for the challenges of the modern logistics industry.