MAX_WIENS

PROJECT_LOG

⚡ FEATURED_LOG // AR/VR Training Module

NEAR MISS // CN RAILWAY

[ PICO 4 ULTRA ENTERPRISE | AR PASSTHROUGH | BSDXR ]

This was one of the most technically challenging projects I've worked on a virtual / augmented reality training module developed for Canadian National Railway (CN). Rather than building in a synthetic virtual environment, I leveraged the high-fidelity passthrough of the Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise to layer the simulation directly over the user's real-world surroundings, making the experience feel immediate and grounded in a way standard VR simply can't achieve.

The module is on one of the most dangerous moments in railway field operations: crossing a single set of tracks. There are no complex menus or drawn-out tutorials — just the user, the tracks, and the exact protocol that keeps CN personnel alive. Users must physically throw a manual switch and execute the Point and Call verification protocol to confirm their actions, building the essential muscle memory that safety discipline demands before they ever step onto a real line.

The consequence system I built is deliberate and unambiguous: if a user fails to look both ways before crossing, they are struck by an oncoming train. That direct, visceral outcome is the entire point. No score screen, no second-chance prompt — just the immediate result of a lapsed safety check. The goal was to make the lesson unforgettable, reinforcing that in CN field operations, consistent and disciplined situational awareness is not optional.

Simulation Operational Modules:

AR Passthrough Environment: High-fidelity Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise passthrough overlays the simulation directly onto the user's real-world space for maximum immersion and presence.
Manual Switch Interaction: Physics-driven lever throw mechanic requiring users to physically perform the switch action before track crossing is permitted.
Point and Call Protocol: Enforced verification sequence where users must point and verbally confirm their safety checks — mirroring the exact real-world CN field procedure.
Consequence Engine: Failure to execute the full look-both-ways check before crossing results in an immediate, visceral train strike — reinforcing the non-negotiable nature of the protocol.

CN Railway yard environment with freight cars and open track crossing

LOG_01 // Railway Yard Environment: High-fidelity CN freight yard with live track crossing zone and manual switch assembly

Wide view of CN railway yard with tank cars and freight rolling stock

LOG_02 // Operational Yard Layout: Multi-track marshalling environment with tank cars, freight stock, and active crossing corridors

CN locomotive approaching head-on down the track

LOG_03 // Oncoming Train Threat: CN locomotive bearing down the line — the consequence of a failed safety check made viscerally real

AR passthrough view of real railway facility with virtual switch target overlay

LOG_04 // AR Passthrough Layer: Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise passthrough blending virtual TARGET overlay onto a real CN training facility

First-person hands-on view of manual switch throw with No Gaps instruction prompt

LOG_05 // Manual Switch Interaction: Physics-driven lever throw with "NO GAPS" verification prompt enforcing precise CN field procedure

Track-level view showing Check For Obstruction prompt and switch marker

LOG_06 // Obstruction Check Protocol: Mandatory track-level inspection step with CHECK FOR OBSTRUCTION prompt before crossing clearance is granted

EXPOSURE failure screen — Expect Movement From Any Direction On Any Track At Any Time

LOG_07 // Consequence Engine: EXPOSURE failure state — the immediate result of a lapsed situational awareness check in a live railway corridor