July 07, 2008

GPS Develops Infantry Immersive Trainer for New Purpose

IIT to be used for equipment testing

Albuquerque, New Mexico-July 7, 2008-Game Production Services (GPS) President Glyn Anderson announced that following the success of the first Infantry Immersive Trainer (IIT) the company has begun development of a second one for a specialized purpose. Instead of training Marines for urban combat, the new IIT will help test equipment.

The original IIT, completed in December, 2007, is being used by Marines to experience close-quarters urban battle training in a realistic setting complete with sights, sounds and smells. Sets, special effects, role players, virtual reality and live training are combined in a 32,000-square-foot facility at the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Battle Simulation Center, Camp Pendleton, California.

Being built at Gruntworks, a human factors laboratory facility in Stafford, Va., the new IIT will allow equipment to be tested in a combat-like environment. Like the first IIT, the Gruntworks version will present real-time scenarios while Marines patrol with weapons, communications, and combat gear.

This time though, instead of being today's standard issue, the gear will be new versions undergoing realistic testing which will help laboratory personnel determine if they are ready for use or need further modifications. The goal is to make changes that increase efficiency, personal protection and survivability for Marine squads.

The new IIT, to be completed in fall, 2008, is being developed in collaboration with the Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT). Gruntworks was opened by the Marine Corps System Command in November, 2007.

Game Production Services (GPS) is a New Mexico-based developer of serious games and immersive mixed-reality environments for education, training, and marketing. GPS produces computer-based serious games for individual and group learning, as well as compelling immersive environments combining physical and virtual elements. For more information, visit their website at www.gameprodsvcs.com/.