At EXO Insights, we are aware that new tech adoption only works if the benefits offer a clear ROI. Whether for our BioTwin Human Performance platform or our Virtual Twin practice, the results must comfortably justify the investment. The fastest adoption trend we are witnessing is happening with Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) training, particularly when comparing costs against traditional live exercises. A recent study analyzing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) evacuation training demonstrated what we've long suspected. While VR has a higher initial investment, it significantly reduces long-term training costs and increases scalability. Live exercises require extensive planning, disrupt operations, and incur repeated expenses, whereas VR training, once developed, can be deployed repeatedly with little additional cost.
The study found that the cost per participant for a single live exercise was $229.79, whereas VR training initially cost $327.78 per participant due to development expenses. However, when scaled over three years, VR training costs dropped to $115.43 per participant, while live training remained fixed, making VR nearly 50% more cost-efficient over time. Additionally, live exercises require repeated scheduling, staffing, and logistical planning, which adds operational strain and the potential loss of revenue—one hospital in the study estimated lost income at $8,901 per day when patient rooms were used for training. In contrast, VR allows personnel to train asynchronously, without disrupting operations, making it an even more viable solution for industries where downtime is not an option, such as defense and nuclear safety.
As industries evolve, so must our approach to training. The findings from the NICU training study reinforce what we at EXO Insights advocate — VR and MR are not just futuristic tools; they are cost-effective, scalable, and essential for training the digitally savvy workforce of today. The question is no longer if VR should replace traditional training, but how quickly organizations can integrate it to stay ahead, recruit, train and retain the right talent.
