Ms. Lynn Hammond reports

BLUEDROP BECOMES FIRST CANADIAN DISTRIBUTOR OF ZSPACE REAL WORLD VIRTUAL REALITY

Bluedrop Training & Simulation Inc., a subsidiary of Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc., has arranged a new partnership with zSpace Inc. to bring its flagship product, zSpace, an immersive virtual reality learning environment, to Canada.

zSpace is a virtual reality hardware and software platform that allows users to visualize, create and experience content in ways not possible with a traditional computer environment. The platform fits on a desktop and combines a high-definition stereopsis, integrated head tracking with full motion parallax and a precision interactive stylus, so learning feels natural and completely immersive to the user. zSpace allows users to manipulate objects in a virtual world, as well as collaborate in the real world to understand subjects in a more comprehensive manner not derived from traditional learning methods.

Bluedrop intends to offer the zSpace Labs system for training Canadian operators and maintainers of complex equipment. zSpace will allow maintenance workers to safely and cost-effectively learn highly challenging tasks that are often expensive, time consuming and dangerous to teach in the real world. Equipment rendering in the zSpace environment is highly interactive, accurate, fully immersive and viewable from all angles. Trainees can apply the skills learned through zSpace seamlessly onto equipment in the field.

"We are pleased to now offer this unique and innovative product which integrates very well with our current product line and leverages our 3-D content," said Carl Daniels, vice-president of business development, Bluedrop Training & Simulation. "We see great potential within the defence market and are honoured zSpace chose Bluedrop to offer their exceptional product to Canadians."

"With this partnership, we are excited to discover new industrial markets in Canada and promote zSpace as a powerful training and simulation tool," said Paul Kellenberger, chief executive officer of zSpace Inc. "Already showing success in schools, we are confident 3-D visualization in the work force is a natural fit for zSpace and trust that Bluedrop is the right partner."

Bluedrop is now offering the zSpace virtual reality product from its training and simulation centre in Halifax, N.S. For more information or to order, please contact the company at trainingsimulation@bluedrop.com.