What is the difference between a simulation and a simulator? 

A simulator is usually a specific machine, device or tool that is simulated graphically in an immersive (virtual reality or mixed reality) setting and allows a user to get a hands-on experience with all the knobs, dials, levers and readouts reacting intelligently in a simulated situation. For example, one might recreate a defibrillator and allow a user to experience various scenarios as they learn to use it properly.

A simulation, on the other hand, usually involves the recreation of a situation involving humans. For example, in our CSI example, created with our friends at The University of Maryland Global, you find a neighborhood with various crimes committed in each home. As a student roams the neighborhood, they are able to confront different simulated scenarios and properly catalog and react to those as a standard investigator would. We also worked with Seton Hall on a mass casualty simulation so that emergency responders can learn the correct responses as they come upon people in various states of physical distress. Again, this is hands-on learning in a virtual world. 

What does a simulator or simulation cost to build and deploy? 

There are several costs that need to be considered, like cost of headsets and licenses to access a virtual reality platform. Those can be viewed on our Website. However, the primary question here relates to the cost of modelers and coders to actually recreate the machine or device. The high level answer is that most simulators cost between $10,000 and $50,000 to build and deploy. This includes concept to testing. Here are some considerations that can determine which end of the spectrum it will fall closer to:

1. How complicated is it to model the machine. We once did a project for John Deere and the precision down to the bolts being six-sided added to the cost of the modeling. A simple machine, like a toaster, is dramatically less expensive than a combustion engine where each part of the engine is recreated separately.
2. The number of scenarios the device will need to work with will have a significant impact. For example, if an EKG machine needs to be connected to two patients, one with a serious heart event and one with acid reflux, then the cost would be lower. But if it needed to provide different feedback based on the scenarios of five different patients, then the cost is significantly more.
3. The coding/programming involved is very important. This follows from the first two, but is slightly different. It’s possible to have a simple simulator, but the environment it is in could require complicated coding. Perhaps the machine has five knobs and levers, leading to 100 different readouts based on various inputs. The coding on this has the potential to be significantly more time-consuming than one with a limited number of readouts. 
4. If an AI avatar is integrated into the scene to provide instruction, answer a question or act as a character in the scenario, the cost will be increased. There is an initial setup fee, but also an ongoing AI fee since almost all large language models charge a variable usage fee. 

How does VictoryXR determine the cost specifically?

At VictoryXR, we start with an initial conversation, then do our best to work the expected number of hours for the project based on the criteria above. We have an hourly rate that is applied against the hours and we provide a quote. It usually involves three rounds of edits, as long as they are not substantial changes to the original concept agreed to. If that occurs, we will offer a change fee that can be considered. 

We have a robust platform which we deploy the simulators and simulations to because it includes many features that will be useful for users. These include: 

1. Inclusion of Pico, Meta Quest and a couple other headsets to make sure that most virtual reality platforms are included.
2. Deployment to both headsets and personal computers for those who do not want to use a headset.
3. Synchronous access. This simply means that it is multiplayer and an instructor and student can be in at the same time – just as in real life – or a classroom of students working together.
4. A backend user management system where licenses can be controlled, access can be monitored and a host of other tools to keep users organized. 

If you have an interest in exploring simulators further, please reach out to us at info@victoryxr.com or visit our simulator web page: https://victoryxr.com/simulations.