Diesel Tech Drive: Immersive VR for Future Technicians
Training/ Education
Key takeaways
Be Pro Be Proud (BPBP) is collaborating with Groove Jones to develop immersive VR experiences for their mobile tours, aimed at attracting the next generation of skilled workers. Initially designed for the Arkansas BPBP Tour, these VR experiences will later be integrated into tours in other states. The project's goal is to provide high school students with a firsthand look at diesel technology repair as a potential career through a Virtual Reality game.
The VR simulation, called "Truck Tech," immerses players in a realistic truck repair center. They start by opening the garage door and stepping into a Freightliner Cascadia Sleeper Cab Tractor Truck, simulating turning on the vehicle. Participants then face a series of challenges that simulate real-world diagnostic tests conducted by diesel technicians. Challenges include performing diagnostics tests outside the cabin, opening the engine compartment, conducting voltmeter tests, inspecting sensor connectors for damage, and testing pins and ground wires for replacement. The game is set in a warehouse facility, providing a lifelike backdrop for the tasks.
What makes this project unique is its high level of interactivity with the Daimler Freightliner truck. Students engage with vehicular mechanical engineering in a way that mirrors real on-site experiences. The VR environment ensures that students can learn and practice diesel truck diagnostics and repair in a safe and scalable setting. Each task is gamified, with scores recorded. After completion, students see a scoreboard showing their performance, earnings, potential career roadmap, and average hourly rates for their state.
Groove Jones developed the experience using Unity for game development and Autodesk Maya for 3D modeling. The program has evolved since its inception in 2020, expanding to include new states and careers. The diesel technology repair experience is the sixth VR experience, available within the BPBP hub, high school campuses, and surrounding city centers. Students can choose from a variety of careers within the program.
