Company-X recognised for virtual reality diver rescue training for New Zealand Defence Force

Company-X team member, Lance Bauerfeind, received the Auahatanga – Innovation Award for leading the development of an immersive training system that allows Navy divers to practise complex rescue scenarios in a virtual underwater environment, augmenting traditional pool and open water training with portable VR simulation.

“This is the first time that we’ve used virtual reality in a multiplayer environment… Having an instructor/trainer alongside you in simulation to immediately course correct your mistakes rather than wait until after the training session is a game-changer. It’s another step toward managing safety,” Bauerfeind said.

“You can’t always recreate dangerous or complex scenarios repeatedly in the real world, but people still need to be prepared for them.”

In a first for the Royal New Zealand Navy, this multiplayer simulation capability allows instructors to enter training scenarios alongside trainees in real time, helping monitor performance, correct poor habits immediately and improve preparedness in a controlled environment.

“Navy Divers experience some of the biggest risks within the NZDF and it’s our job to reduce those risks as low as reasonably possible,” according to Lieutenant Commander Nick Davey, Programme Manager Maritime Simulation.

The portable simulation system can also be deployed in different locations without requiring Wi-Fi connectivity, supporting more flexible and scalable training delivery.

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Company-X Co-founder and Director, David Hallett, said defence organisations internationally were increasingly looking for simulation technologies that could improve readiness, accessibility and operational flexibility.

“Modern defence forces are under growing pressure to deliver training environments that are scalable, repeatable and capable of supporting more consistent training outcomes,” he said.

“Immersive simulation capability is becoming an increasingly important part of how allied defence organisations modernise training and preparedness.”

Hallett said the same simulation technologies also had growing relevance across other high-risk industries, including land forces, aviation, and emergency response.

The company has also developed virtual reality flight deck officer training for the Royal New Zealand Navy, allowing personnel to practise the procedures, communication and coordination required to safely land a helicopter on a frigate.

Last year, Company-X signed an agreement with Babcock International Group PLC at Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, Australia, supporting the ongoing development and international visibility of New Zealand-developed simulation, training, evaluation, and testing technologies within allied defence environments.