Highways England is testing a virtual reality solution for training its staff, using sensor-equipped headsets to give staff an exposure to “real world” motorway scenarios.

The installation by specialist companies Old Barn Audio, Martin Audio and Magic Beans at a warehouse in Derbyshire (pictured) creates what they call an immersive environment with stereoscopic 3D headsets coupled with a “pioneering” mixed-reality sound system.

Magic Beans Managing Director Gareth Llewellyn, explained, “For the Highways England installation we were asked to recreate the complex and dynamic sound of a real section of motorway for training purposes.

“It is important that this volumetric audio simulation has both the power and the subtlety to achieve the goal of a true-to-life reconstruction of this complex procedural sound field, as well as offering trainees a realistic visceral experience of working in these hazardous environments.”

(Picture – Martin-Audio.com)