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Why I have chosen UV for sanitising our equipment?

How to sanitize our virtual reality equipment has been a subject of many conversations I had with VR operators. Even before age of covid, we had to ensure customers are safe from germs and microbes which might linger on headsets and controllers after the previous player. Most VR headsets available on the market come fitted with foam face inserts instead of leather. Foam soaks up a sweat and it is extremely difficult to clean. We had to address this first. So the first thing we did back in 2016 was to replace original foam face coverings with leather substitutes. This enabled us to clean them thoroughly with antibacterial wipes. Back then there were no other options to go a step further. Also, we did not have any laboratory tests to indicate that this might not be a sufficient approach. 

As part of my job is to also support a chain of VR locations across the world for Immotion Group I had access to a lot of feedback. It become increasingly obvious to our teams that we will not be able to continue with wiping as the only solution.

Consistency in hygiene procedures is one thing, but time-consumption at some high profile and therefore very busy locations being another.Wiping and foaming up each headset for required 5 minutes in location with 30 headsets is impossible from cost perspective.

Yes, 70% alcohol does make viruses inactive, but the use of wipes requires an extremely rigorous routine, creates a lot of non-recyclable waste, and is very time-consuming. 

Since 2019 within Immotion Group we had a dedicated team working on a better solution and in April 2020 we had a new product ready. A range of Uvisan 254 nM UVC cabinets.Very timely indeed.

This was a great opportunity for me to get two of the first units into VR-Here in Liverpool. Now, after 6 months of use, I have to say I am very happy with the performance of both devices.

Two Uvisan VR12 units which we are currently using had no operational issues during the half a year we have with them. They are a great addition to our rigorous sanitization routine.

Additionally, they are large enough to allow us to sanitize other equipment, such as masks, phones, tablets, keyboards, and computer mice. 

Last month I had the opportunity to see the test results from the lab. They tested a comparison between 70% alcohol wipe and UVC 254nM light. You can find what they have found out published here .

This further solidified my conviction that going the UV route was the right decision. 

And to top it all off, Hewlett-Packard has recently changed their guidance in relation to cleaning their VR headsets. HP now is only recommending UVC as a way of cleaning their VR devices.

In 2020 you should demand from your VR experience provider more than just wiping the equipment. Certified UV cabinets should become a new standard anywhere where equipment is shared.

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VR-HERE – have an amazing VR experiences delivered in sustainable and emission free way to your home, company or event.  Featuring exclusive LIverpool City views rollercoaster and many other educational and thrilling immersive experiences on motion kinetic seats.. 

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  • star ratingBest fun ever! Staff are so patient and cheerful making sure to get the best out of the experience, nothing’s too much trouble. We hadn’t booked and were lucky they could fit us in at short notice but we were offered drinks while we waited....More

    avatar thumb Bassbird99
    May 20, 2019
  • star ratingAbsolutely loved this place. So much fun and the staff were great. My partner and I had a lot of fun playing a multiplayer zombie-shootout game and then a few games doing our own thing. We’ll definitely be going back for sure!

    Jambob91
    September 17, 2022
  • star ratingHad an amazing time with my 12 year old staff were helpful and knowledgeable.the VR activities were stunning .will be going again very soon

    Brian M
    April 4, 2023
  • star ratingFirst time visit with wife and son, we booked 1hr experience, and was totally impressed with the quality of the VR set up, the graphics and gameplay was mind blowing.
    The staff were at hand to guide us through various aspects of the games and gave us plenty of support as they can see what your are viewing from monitors outside the cubicles you were in.
    It was worth every pound and would recommend it to all ages.
    Very impressed.

    jammybax
    December 4, 2022
  • star ratingCame here to see how VR Arcades operate in comparison to regular arcades. Quite different.

    You get a headset and a sizable booth dedicated to you and only you for the time you’ve booked in. Then you get access to all the games they have AND you have full ability to change and play them yourself.

    Staff remain on hand or can be called for any help that you need. Obviously they come quicker if it’s a quiet tim like the time I went in.

    Impressed to see how they operate in a post-COVID world; staff wear masks and gloves and clean your headset with a sci-fi looking UV box after bookings, so you know it’s clean.

    Colleagues are great and friendly (can’t remember their names, sadly) and are always happy/patient/understanding if you need help or have questions.

    Recommended for everyone, though Under 8y/o kids will have trouble with the concept, though I’m told that the pods work well for them.

    Will be coming again.

    TravelyanLafayette
    September 1, 2020

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