DUNNVILLE — Catapult Tactical XR, a startup specializing in augmented reality training for firefighters, took the stage at the Exelerate pitch competition in Whitby recently, impressing audiences with its innovative approach to fire safety training.
Robyn Simpson of Dunnville founded Catapult Tactical XR with her husband about five years ago.
She said they started as a “general augmented reality company.” Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that enhances the real world by overlaying digital information onto it. AR uses a camera-enabled device to let users interact with both the physical world and computer-generated content simultaneously.
It is different from virtual reality: “Virtual reality, when you put the headset on, the world around you is completely transformed. In augmented reality you see the world with digital elements added,” Simpson explained.
Initially the pair considered pursuing something with military ties, but they realized this was difficult without a military background.
“But, my husband’s background is fire,” she said. “Fire has such a problem training because of all their training is dangerous, expensive, and complex.”
The company switched their focus three years ago. Since then, she said, “we’ve got some amazing traction.”
This includes selling training modules with annual subscriptions in the Yukon.
The goal is to “create training that is so realistic, that we are tricking the brain,” said Simpson.
Modules teach everything from flashovers to how to safely and efficiently use a fire extinguisher.
Simpson explained a flashover is when “something burning in the room raises the temperature of the whole room to the point where the smoke actually catches on fire…. It looks like an explosion and it’s not survivable, even in full gear.”
Simpson said this module allows firefighters to safely “know what the progression towards a flashover looks like, so if they ever see the signs in real life they can isolate immediately.”
Simpson said she realizes the modules will never completely replace live training, but noted the benefit of modules being able to be repeated as many times as needed.
“It’s not a gaming system, it’s a training system,” she noted.
The company has pitched itself at several pitch competitions over the years. Last week they competed in the Exelerate pitch competition in Whitby. They previously won the “People’s Choice” award at the Haltech Hi5 in Burlington in 2023.
So far they are happy with the great feedback on their products.
To learn more about Catapult Tactical XR, visit catapultdesignstudios.com.
