CGI is launching an exciting initiative to let autistic children experience major sporting events in a safe setting. They’ve already made a huge impact at a special school in Cheltenham, using virtual reality (VR) to help students improve their real-world interactions.
Now, CGI is collaborating with the Brighton Marathon and the National Autistic Society to create a VR experience that gets neurodivergent participants ready for the big day. This project brings together some of CGI’s best tech minds. According to Matthew Grisoni, CGI’s vice president, they’ve captured scenes from the marathon with GoPro cameras and stitched them together into an app viewable through VR headsets. “We record the film and then build the application for various scenes,” he explained.
Users can click on a course map, experiencing the sights and sounds of the event as if they were there. “They’ll feel much more at ease about what they’re going to encounter,” Grisoni said. In their earlier project at the Bettridge School, CGI used VR to prepare autistic students for visiting local shops. Instead of just showing photos, they created an identical VR version of the shop, making it easier for students to transition from virtual to real environments.
These types of VR projects are glimpses into the technology’s potential. VR offers immersive visual and auditory experiences that mimic real life, making it easier for users to interact naturally. The technology is evolving rapidly, allowing increasingly authentic representations of real-world scenarios.
Right now, CGI has a small team of about ten specialists focused on these niche projects, but that could change as various sectors explore the possibilities. Grisoni, who also works as an emergency responder, highlighted how first responders can benefit from VR training. “You can simulate an emergency so that you can assess the situation before entering,” he said, underscoring the value of experiencing stressful environments beforehand.
This training isn’t limited to emergencies. For example, Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club is considering VR to help families understand what to expect at their games. As Grisoni noted, “In football, things can be a bit overwhelming for kids. This gives families a clear picture of what to anticipate in a family-friendly area,” encouraging them to attend events. Overall, organizations in the events and entertainment fields are increasingly looking to VR to enhance visitor experiences.