Use Cases

Mixed Reality Training for Traffic Officers

National Highways, responsible for planning, operating, and maintaining England’s major road network, collaborated with Varjo to deploy a mixed reality (MR) driver training simulator, designed for training traffic officers in realistic, high-pressure driving scenarios.

Challenge

Traffic officers must master complex driving maneuvers—like using hard shoulders, navigating gridlocked traffic, or executing moving roadblocks—across public roads without risking disruption or safety. Traditional classroom training or live drills are costly, difficult to coordinate, and unable to simulate rare but critical real-world incidents.

Solution

The UK highway agency implemented a training rig that combines:

• A Varjo XR‑series mixed reality headset for photoreal visuals and high immersion
  
• A motion platform replicating the feel of a traffic officer vehicle
  
• Immersive audio and a cockpit-like setup with authentic controls

Trainees sit in a vehicle cockpit, interact with realistic vehicle systems, and drive through a wide range of digitally generated UK road scenarios, from early-morning M‑62 to rain-soaked M‑25 rush hours. Trainers can dynamically adjust traffic, weather, layout, and hazards inside the simulation

Benefits and Impact

• Highly realistic training: Officers drive in lifelike scenarios, including rare emergencies like overturned vehicles.

• Safe pressure testing: Trainees practice high-stress decision-making without real-world risks.

• Scalable & cost-effective: No need to close roads or stage physical incidents. Scenarios can be created and reused without logistical hassle.

• Customizable modules: Trainers can adjust traffic, weather, and hazards to fit specific needs.

• Continuous improvement: Feedback loops with trainers ensure the system evolves based on real training needs and challenges.