Overview

SIMmersion LLC® is a software development company that creates human interaction simulations for government, health care, and commercial training audiences. Moving beyond the limitations of the classroom and traditional role plays, our simulations provide a safe, objective environment for learning and practicing intricate interpersonal or "soft" skills. SIMmersion has developed simulations to train a variety of soft skills, ranging from performance counseling for underperforming employees to screening patients for possible alcohol addiction.

Developed by professionals from the fields of script writing, video direction, psychology, and adult education, our simulations create immersive, unparalleled learning environments that are both mentally engaging and emotionally absorbing.

Our Mission

To address the critical gap between knowledge and application, SIMmersion® is dedicated to providing life-like simulations of people that allow users to apply new concepts in realistic settings while receiving immediate and continuous feedback.

Research shows that both practice and feedback are essential elements of learning new skills, particularly those involving interpersonal communication. SIMmersion® Human Interaction Simulations are a superior training alternative to traditional role-playing exercises.

Our Simulations

SIMmersion human simulations are realistic enough to affect the user's experience base and change behavior. Actors are used to create life-like characters in challenging situations. The simulated people have memory and an advanced emotional model so that they respond to the user's statements as a real person would. Trainees interact with the simulated characters for a face-to-face conversation using a microphone or a mouse to communicate. User's statements are scripted to include a variety of natural choices. Simulated responses are scripted to emulate what real people would say at the current stage of the conversation given the motives and character of the simulated person. The result is a nearly free-form conversation that is different every time the simulation is used.

Our History

In 1997, while working for Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL), Dr. Olsen invented the PeopleSim™ technology. The first application of this technology was developed by Dr. Dale Olsen and delivered in 1998 to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The simulation was designed to teach new agents the skill of detecting deception. In October 2002, Dr. Olsen founded SIMmersion LLC and obtained an exclusive license from JHU/APL for the technology. As a subcontractor to JHU/APL, the company began projects to develop simulations for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and an additional simulation for the FBI in early 2003. Since that time, SIMmersion has contracted directly with government sponsors and has been awarded contracts with the U.S. Army J.A.G., U.S. Marine Corps, and the FBI.

Part of SIMmersion's rich history includes a number of rewarding collaborations with a variety of partners and successful work for numerous sponsors, both in the government and private sectors. For a complete list of our partners, click here; to see our sponsor list, click here.