Extended Reality Simulation Training for U.S. Air Force Academy

GIGXR’s HoloChem mixed reality application brings traditional chemistry curricula into visually compelling scenarios that use gamification techniques to encourage concept retention and critical thinking skills By DA Staff / 02 Aug 2021

ISR Training & Simulation Services

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA

GIGXR has received a Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract from AFWERX to develop its Extended Reality (XR) simulation training to help the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) cadets improve learning and engagement in vital chemistry studies. 

The $750,000 funding will be allocated to developing HoloChem, a new mixed reality application for USAFA 100 and 200 level chemistry courses.

“Traditional chemistry labs lack the immersive, safe-to-fail environments students need to develop the critical thinking skills for using chemistry in the real world,” said Captain Wale Lawal, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry for the U.S. Air Force Academy. 

“GIGXR’s mixed reality learning solutions allow USAFA educators to immerse students in ultra-realistic, interactive scenarios to transform their understanding of chemistry from rote memorization or rigid ‘cookbook chemistry’ to real-time problem-solving. 

“This kind of learning mimics the challenges they might face in the future, which would otherwise be impossible to simulate or place our students at risk.”

HoloChem leverages GIGXR’s ability to create lifelike mixed reality learning experiments. Traditional chemistry curricula, with its focus on abstract understanding of concepts such as bonding and solvents, fall short in both facilitating learning outcomes and keeping students engaged in the learning process. HoloChem brings those principles into visually compelling scenarios that use gamification techniques to encourage concept retention and critical thinking skills. 

“USAFA needed a product that enabled their instructors to provide hands-on, immersive learning and future-proof execution,” said David King Lassman, CEO, GIGXR. 

“HoloChem simulates key real life experiences that labs simply cannot and allows instructors to reach multiple campuses or remote students to match the ultra-realistic learning experience available to the cadets in the instructor’s own classroom.”

Delivered through GIGXR’s Saas Application Platform, HoloChem will open up new immersive learning experiences for both teachers and students to benefit from tomorrow’s technology without having to invest time or resources into learning software. 

Instructors using the Microsoft HoloLens 2 headset create and share content with students either also wearing headsets or connecting via Android or iOS smartphones and tablets.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Meltio’s Metal 3D Printing Technology Introduced in Mexico

Meltio’s wire-laser metal 3D printing technology has been introduced in Mexico through a strategic alliance with Sitres Latam, Alar, and Tecnológico de Monterrey, with applications spanning industry, education, and research

May 16, 2025
New RF C-UAS Technology for Mobile & Fixed-Site Operations

AeroVironment is introducing Titan 4, a compact and lightweight RF counter-UAS system designed to detect and neutralize small drone threats rapidly, supports mobile, dismounted, or fixed-site use

May 16, 2025
Dual Role AUV Torpedo Expands Undersea Warfare Capabilities

Vatn Systems unveils the Skelmir S12 AUV-torpedo hybrid and a new manufacturing facility, advancing modular undersea warfare capabilities for multi-domain deployment

May 16, 2025
Who to see at Xponential 2025

Defense Advancement is pleased to be collaborating with so many companies participating in AUVSI's Xponential this year...

May 15, 2025
EOD/IED & Countermine Symposium to Spotlight Advances in Counter-IED Capabilities

DSI's EOD/IED & Countermine Symposium is returning for its 12th annual gathering on July 16–17 in National Harbor, MD, convening experts and solution providers from the DoD, federal government, academia, and industry

May 15, 2025
Protector RG Mk1 Issued Military Type Certification by the UK

GA-ASI has become the first manufacturer of large, unmanned aircraft to receive an MTC (Military Type Certificate) following the issue from UK’s Military Aviation Authority to the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1

May 15, 2025

Featured Content

Next-Gen Group 2 UAS Enters Production with Extended Endurance & Upgrades

Aurora Flight Sciences upgrades the SKIRON-X Group 2 UAS with greater versatility and tactical mission endurance, as well as announcing the hydrogen-powered SKIRON-XLE variant

May 13, 2025
Discover ANELLO’s SiPhOG™ for GNSS-Denied Navigation at XPO25

CEO of ANELLO Photonics, Dr. Mario Paniccia, will present at Xponential 2025 on the company's SiPhOG-based inertial navigation technology in GPS-denied and GNSS-contested environments.

May 09, 2025
U.S. Army Partnership Advances Autonomous Helicopter Logistics Program

The U.S. Army is partnering with Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy to retrofit Black Hawk helicopters with scalable autonomy kits for uncrewed logistics operations

May 08, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.