PARTNERS
- European Union
- Austrian Red Cross
ABSTRACT
IRONORE is a cross-border disaster response exercise that utilises Extended Reality (XR) technology to enable highly realistic crisis training. Focused on a simulated earthquake scenario in Austria, the exercise involved over 1,350 participants. XR technology was used to visualise a devastated urban area spanning 20 square kilometres, offering emergency personnel an immersive environment in which to train their response skills under realistic conditions.
CHALLENGE
Complex disaster scenarios such as earthquakes demand highly realistic training environments to ensure effective coordination between international rescue teams. Traditional exercises often struggle to provide the same level of immersion and detail, making it difficult to prepare responders adequately for real-world emergencies.
SOLUTION
With the help of XR, IRONORE delivered a vivid, real-time simulation of earthquake damage, which could be actively explored by emergency teams. By mapping roads, buildings, and structures at a 1:1 scale, all participants developed a shared situational awareness of the crisis. Real-time visualisations and simulations significantly improved decision-making and operational planning, leading to enhanced coordination and more effective emergency response.
