Hamilton-based tech innovator, Lance Bauerfeind, of Company-X, has been recognised at the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry for his role in transforming how New Zealand Navy divers train using virtual reality technology.
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.
Lieutenant Commander Nick Davey, Programme Manager Maritime Simulation, said, “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.”
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.
"This is the first time that we’ve used virtual reality in a multiplayer environment”, said Davey.
“Navy divers operate in some of the highest-risk environments in the NZDF, so 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.”
Company-X Co-founder and Director, David Hallett, said the technology reflected growing demand for simulation and immersive training tools across a range of industries.
“Simulation technology is becoming increasingly important in environments where organisations need people to train safely, repeatedly and at scale,” he said.
“The same technologies being used in defence training can also be applied across industries, including emergency response, manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure.”
Speaking at the awards ceremony at Parliament, Defence Minister Chris Penk acknowledged the important role New Zealand companies play in supporting Defence capability, resilience and innovation.
Hallett said Company-X had already delivered multiple immersive training solutions for the Royal New Zealand Navy, including virtual reality flight deck officer training that allows personnel to practise the procedures, communication and coordination required to safely land helicopters on a frigate.
Company-X continues to develop immersive simulation and training technologies for defence and adjacent industries.
The recognition follows Company-X’s signing of an agreement with global defence company Babcock International at the Indo Pacific maritime exposition last year, aimed at taking New Zealand-developed simulation training technology to defence forces around the world.
The Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence to Industry recognise organisations and individuals delivering exceptional service, innovation and support to New Zealand’s defence sector.
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