Japanese construction company Daiho Corporation has created virtual reality contents that allow users to experience the shield tunneling, one of the company’s specialties. The contents can be carried around with only a head-mounted display and a computer. It is possible to experience the world of tunnel boring machines with a realistic sensation anywhere. The company intends to use the contents mainly for student tours.

Last year, the company released "Creating Space," a video introducing the shield tunneling method, for the purpose of employee training. The company created the VR content as the second phase in order to introduce it to the general public, including students.

When a viewer puts on the head-mounted display, a full-scale tunnel boring machine with an outer diameter of more than 10 meters appears in front of the viewer. The viewer can listen to the commentary on the technology and role of the shield tunneling which is indispensable for the development of infrastructure such as water and sewage systems, while experiencing realistic tunnel excavation through a fictional construction site that normally cannot be seen. The experience lasts approximately 7 minutes. The company hopes to use the contents as an educational tool for the newly-employed and wants as many people as possible to become familiar with the shield tunneling method. (2022/12/08)