VirTra, Inc’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Bob Ferris, has been inducted into the National Center for Simulation (NCS) Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Hall of Fame.

This prestigious recognition, bestowed upon Ferris for his groundbreaking work and continued thought leadership in the simulation industry, reflects VirTra’s legacy of innovation and its commitment to continually improving training effectiveness. Ferris was inducted alongside other 2023 inductees at a ceremony on 12 October 2023.

Ferris is widely acknowledged with the early adoption of virtual reality (VR) technology for educational and entertainment purposes, with his pioneering efforts dating back to the 1990s. He is sometimes recognized as a "Grandfather of VR” for his contributions to the field. Initially, his company, Ferris Productions, focused on immersive VR for other markets, however, a pivotal moment arose when Ferris was inspired to leverage this emerging technology to support first responders, including police and the military, in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. This decision led to the evolution of Ferris Productions into VirTra, a company that now extends its support to military and law enforcement agencies across 40 countries worldwide.

The M&S Hall of Fame represents a very rare and highly regarded achievement. The NCS's objective is 'to honor, recognize, and protect the legacy of individuals who have significantly contributed to advancements in modeling and simulation.' Ferris’s inclusion in the 10th Hall of Fame class is a testament to his esteemed position within the simulation community. After the upcoming induction, the Wall of Fame in the Orange County Convention Center’s South Concourse will feature 39 simulation pioneers to now include Ferris.

For a comprehensive list of all Hall of Fame members and access to their biographies, please visit the NCS website.