#Germany #Dräger #Lübeck #Babyleo XR #VirtualiSurg

Dräger and VirtualiSurg Take Home the Obsidian Award for Their Revolutionary Babyleo XR Simulator

In an impressive display of innovation in the medical field, Dräger and VirtualiSurg have been awarded the first-ever Obsidian Award for their collaborative effort, the Dräger Virtuo XR Babyleo project. This extended reality (XR) simulator is set to redefine training for medical professionals working in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The award, presented by the Academy of International Extended Reality (AIXR), recognizes groundbreaking advancements in extended reality technologies that encompass virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR).

This collaboration, which began in 2021, combines Dräger's expertise in medical technology and VirtualiSurg's proficiency in immersive simulations to create an impactful training tool. As Lothar Thielen, President and CEO of Dräger, explained, "Our solution addresses a critical gap in medical education by combining clinical training with communication and compassion," particularly vital in NICUs, where the emotional strain on parents can be severe. The XR-enabled simulation solution is designed to enhance the training experience for both medical staff and the families of patients.

Dräger's Babyleo Virtuo XR simulation enables healthcare providers to engage in realistic scenarios, enhancing not just technical skills but also vital soft skills such as communication and empathy. The simulation allows clinicians to practice managing clinical cases while also learning how to involve parents in their child’s care. The aim is to bridge the gap between technical prowess and compassionate care, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Nicolas Mignan, the Founder and CEO of VirtualiSurg, shared, "To transform healthcare professional training, it is essential to integrate both clinical expertise and the emotional dimension of care." The development of the Babyleo XR simulator was informed by dialogues with healthcare experts and insights drawn from parental experiences, ensuring that the content is clinically relevant and empathetic. Key features of the simulator include multi-user modes for practicing family interactions and narrations from parents, which enrich the learning experience.

As the first of its kind, the Obsidian Award aims to honor innovative contributions that push XR technologies to new limits. The application process saw Dräger and VirtualiSurg competing against major players in the tech industry, including Meta and HTC. Their exemplary work illustrates the significant potential of XR technology in revolutionizing medical education. The awards ceremony took place on December 5, 2024, during the Immersive Tech Week Congress in Rotterdam, where they were celebrated alongside other finalists in various categories.

In an age where technology continuously evolves, the collaboration between Dräger and VirtualiSurg serves as a model for future advancements in healthcare training. Their use of XR technology not only prepares medical teams for clinical excellence but also ensures that patient care is delivered with heartfelt understanding and compassion. As they continue to expand their training scenarios across multiple care areas, the ultimate goal remains clear: to create a comprehensive healthcare training ecosystem that prioritizes both skill and empathy.

With Dräger's longstanding history in medical technology since its founding in Lübeck, Germany in 1889, and VirtualiSurg's commitment to innovative simulation design since its inception in Paris, the partnership exemplifies a cutting-edge approach to healthcare education. As they pave the way for future projects, the implications of their work may extend far beyond NICUs, impacting the entire healthcare landscape and emphasizing the importance of human touch amid technological advancement.