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With Oil and Gas Industry Safety Concerns at the Forefront, SynergyXR Delivers Scalable Immersive Safety Solutions

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Oil and gas industry safety concerns, risks, injuries, and fatalities are on the rise. SynergXR delivers scalable extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and spatial computing solutions to educate and train instructors, workers, and stakeholders while mitigating risks. Precision Drilling and Texas A&M offer insights on the efficacy of immersive technologies for safety in the oil and gas industry.

HOUSTON, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In an industry where safety is paramount, SynergyXR is pioneering the use of extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and spatial computing technology to enhance safety protocols and training in the oil and gas industry. As recent statistics from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement highlight an alarming number of accidents and fatalities on oil and gas drilling rigs, SynergyXR is committed to providing value through scalable immersive solutions to help mitigate these risks.

Our industry-leading technology is a competitive advantage that we are proud to offer to our clients in a variety of industries, particularly oil and gas. — Mads Troelsgaard, CEO of SynergyXR

The oil and gas industry and sectors like energy, manufacturing, mining, and construction often face hazardous and potentially life-threatening situations. XR technologies combine the physical and digital worlds to create immersive and interactive experiences. These training systems offer a safe and risk-free environment for trainers and employees to practice their skills, allowing them to handle dangerous scenarios without the fear of personal harm or equipment damage. This immersive technology ensures that trainees are well-prepared to face real-world challenges, thus significantly reducing the risk of accidents while reducing costs and training time, and simultaneously increasing memory retention through experiential learning.

Enhancing Safety in Oil and Gas Through Immersive Technology

In oil and gas, XR technology enables workers to experience the complexities of offshore and onshore platforms, manage high-pressure situations, and respond effectively to potential accidents. Dr. Faisal Irshad Khan, a professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering and director of the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center (MKOPSC) at Texas A&M, states, “The integration of XR, VR, AR, and spatial computing technologies in training programs has the potential to revolutionize the oil and gas industry. By immersing personnel in realistic environments, these technologies build familiarity and reduce accidents. Moreover, the use of these technologies helps in analyzing the range of high-risk scenarios and to train personnel on these scenarios safely.”

Working and living safely with chemicals is the ultimate focus of the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center under Dr. Khan. The MKOPSC was established in memory of Mary Kay O’Connor in 1995. Ms. O’Connor was an operations superintendent who was killed in an explosion in 1989. The MKOPSC is dedicated to saving lives in the oil and gas industry through professional training, upskilling, and competency-building programs. These initiatives also help organizations comply with safety regulations and adopt preventative measures.

According to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, in 2019 there were 6 deaths and 222 injuries on offshore oil rigs, the highest number since 2010. From 2015 to 2020, there were 19 fatalities and 106 injuries in the US offshore oil and gas industry, with injuries in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction industries among the highest in the US (16.6 per 100,000 workers).

Innovative Solutions Drive Adoption

Precision Drilling, a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible services to the energy industry, has integrated immersive training from SynergyXR into their EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions. This move complements their industry-leading digital technology portfolio. Precision Drilling’s EverGreen™ solutions are comprised of economically viable emissions reduction technologies, with the goal of displacing diesel fuel as the primary energy source in drilling operations.

Rob Houston, VP of Drilling Technology at Precision Drilling, highlighted the challenges in adapting to evolving industry expectations: “As technology evolves, so do the workflows on our drilling rigs. While traditional training methods can be inefficient and impractical, staged training that begins before deployment and continues afterward has proven effective. Our vision is to seamlessly integrate live competency assessments that enhance user proficiency.”

He expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Our experience with SynergyXR has been transformative. Their expertise in oil and gas, combined with scalable immersive training solutions, perfectly aligns with Precision Drilling’s approach to technical innovation.” This partnership represents the initial phase of a broader initiative within Precision Drilling, targeting broad-based recruitment strategies and investor relations alike. By leveraging SynergyXR’s immersive training solutions, Precision Drilling aims to optimize operational efficiency and safety across its entire business ecosystem.

“Through our collaboration with SynergyXR and combined expertise, we have successfully bridged communication gaps and elevated our safety protocols,” Mr. Houston continues. “With fully equipped training centers in both the US and Canada, we can rapidly deploy training across our extensive fleet of drilling rigs. This streamlined approach not only reduces travel and training time but also enhances our team’s capacity to retain critical information acquired during immersive training.”

Dr. Khan adds, “Partnerships between technology leaders like SynergyXR and Precision Drilling are crucial in demystifying and mainstreaming these immersive innovations. These partnerships are important in terms of exploring the current and future use of these technologies, but also in being able to identify the areas where improvements are needed.”

According to SynergyXR’s CEO Mads Troelsgaard, “In today’s dynamic digital landscape, transformation is not just about staying relevant; it is about seizing the lead with technology that’s already proven its worth. Our industry-leading technology is a competitive advantage that we are proud to offer to our clients in a variety of industries, particularly oil and gas.” This commitment to innovation and safety is paving the way for a safer, more efficient oil and gas industry.

About the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center (MKOPSC) at Texas A&M

The Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center (MKOPSC) is the world’s foremost university-based Process Safety Center. The Center serves industry, government, academia, and the public. It is a resource in education and research and provides service to all stakeholders. MKOPSC is guided by a Steering Committee of consortium member companies and a Technical Advisory Committee of industry experts. Industry guidance ensures that Center activities are relevant to the actual practice of process safety. Over the past 20 years, the body of work created by the Center has led to the inarguable recognition as an unbiased science-based organization focused on creating dialogue and consensus on difficult scientific topics, amongst all stakeholders. Learn more at https://psc.tamu.edu/

About Precision Drilling

Precision is a leading provider of safe and environmentally responsible High Performance, High Value services to the energy industry, offering customers access to an extensive fleet of Super Series drilling rigs. Precision has commercialized an industry-leading digital technology portfolio known as Alpha™ that utilizes advanced automation software and analytics to generate efficient, predictable, and repeatable results for energy customers. Drilling services are enhanced by their EverGreen™ suite of environmental solutions, which bolsters Precision’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their operations. Additionally, Precision offers well service rigs, camps, and rental equipment all backed by a comprehensive mix of technical support services and skilled, experienced personnel.

Precision is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PD” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “PDS”. For further information about Precision, please visit precisiondrilling.com.

Media:

Link to Video https://vimeo.com/957711435/00d707cc9f?share=copy

Link to SynergyXR Oil and Gas information page with case studies, video, and images https://synergyxr.com/news-and-updates/oil-gas-safety-xr-vr-ar/

About SynergyXR

SynergyXR is the leading no-code XR and Spatial Computing SaaS platform for the manufacturing and energy sectors, enabling companies to build, operate, and optimize safe immersive virtual learning and training programs at a scale, speed, and cost not previously possible. For more information, please visit synergyxr.com.

Oil and Gas Industry Stats

Chemical Safety Board Statistics:

The Chemical Safety Board (CSB) reported that in the past year alone, there have been over 200 incidents resulting in 30 fatalities and numerous injuries on oil and gas drilling rigs. This information is corroborated by recent reports on the CSB’s website, emphasizing the ongoing safety challenges in the industry (Prevent Chemical Disasters) (UPI).

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) 2019 Statistics:

In 2019, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) recorded 6 deaths and 222 injuries on offshore oil rigs, marking the highest number since 2010. This data is available through BSEE’s annual safety performance reviews, highlighting a notable increase in incidents that year (UPI).

Media Contact

Taylor L. Cole, APR, TV with TLC, 1 9723334343, TaylorLCole@gmail.com

Andy Grantham, SynergyXR, 45 5195 0172, Ag@synergyxr.com, SynergyXR.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/with-oil-and-gas-industry-safety-concerns-at-the-forefront-synergyxr-delivers-scalable-immersive-safety-solutions-302182844.html

SOURCE SynergyXR

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China’s Long March: The Journey Goes On

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October 21, 2026

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MACAO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from Xinhua News Agency:

There is a chapter of history every Chinese child learns in school.

There is a poem that generations of Chinese people have learned by heart.

There is a song millions can sing from its very first notes.

In stories, in verses, in melodies, they all point to the same chapter of history: the Long March.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chinas-long-march-the-journey-goes-on-302915306.html

SOURCE Xinhua News Agency

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Target Makes it Easier for Guests to Discover Stylish Holiday Gifts They Can’t Wait to Give

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October 21, 2026

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Target is offering more than 8,000 new gifts, with more than half exclusive to the retailerMost new holiday items at Target are $20 or less, including thousands $5 and underNew AI-powered shopping experiences, daily deals and early Black Friday savings simplify gifting

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) is putting gifting at the heart of the holidays, bringing guests more than 8,000 new stylish gifts they can’t wait to give. More than half of the new assortment is available only at Target, with thousands of gifts priced at $5 and under. New AI-powered shopping experiences, fresh ways to discover gifts and deals throughout the season will make it easier for guests to find something special for everyone on the list.

“This holiday season, guests will see and feel the changes we’ve been making across Target, bringing together the style, design and value they expect from us with an experience that makes shopping easier and more inspiring,” said Michael Fiddelke, chief executive officer, Target. “We know guests turn to Target for gifting, gathering and everything in between, and our team is ready to help busy families discover more joy in those moments throughout the season.”

Stylish gifts at an incredible value
As consumers continue to look for affordable ways to give gifts that feel special, Target is leaning into one of the season’s biggest trends: luxe-for-less gifting. This year’s assortment includes 100% cashmere (excluding functional trim) starting at $25, pajamas for all from $10, festive decor from $5, faux fur throws at $30, top toys from LEGO, Barbie and Nintendo, new and exclusive gifts from prestige, emerging and global beauty brands at Target Beauty Studio, nostalgic sweet treats and host gifts from Favorite Day and exclusive finds for sports and wellness fans, making it easy for guests to find gifts that feel elevated at every price point.

“Guests tell us they want to give gifts that are thoughtful and personal, while feeling good about what they’re spending,” said Cara Sylvester, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. “That’s why we’ve brought together the brands they love, exciting trends and unexpected finds they won’t see anywhere else — all at prices that make it easier to get that ‘I can’t wait to give this’ gift.”

More ways to discover the perfect gift
New this season, Ask Target, an AI-powered shopping assistant available in beta on Target.com and the Target app, helps guests find inspiration, narrow their choices and shop with confidence and ease. Additional AI-powered features and a digital holiday kids catalog offer more ways to discover gifts for everyone on the list.

Target’s new Academy of Giftology holiday marketing campaign, launching in November, will tackle familiar gifting dilemmas with playful inspiration to help guests gift it their all and find gifts they’ll be excited to give.

More ways to save, from the first gift to the last
Beginning Nov. 1, guests can shop a new Deal of the Day every day through Dec. 24, with a first-ever one-day preview of upcoming offers to help them plan ahead. Early Black Friday deals run Nov. 5–7, followed by new limited-time offers every weekend throughout the holiday season.

The joy of gift giving
Through Target’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, guests can give a gift that helps give back with the Gigglescape St. Jude bear, with a donation tied to each purchase while supplies last.

About Target
Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) brings together style, design and value to offer a distinct assortment and elevated shopping experience across more than 2,000 U.S. stores and online. Powered by more than 400,000 team members, Target serves millions of families each week and invests in the communities where they live and work to support growth and opportunity for all.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/target-makes-it-easier-for-guests-to-discover-stylish-holiday-gifts-they-cant-wait-to-give-302914635.html

SOURCE Target Corporation

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illumend CEO: Building a COI Tracker with AI Is Easy. Verifying Insurance Compliance Is Not.

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4 minutes ago

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October 21, 2026

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Kristen Nunery warns that homegrown Certificate of Insurance tracking tools can create a false sense of security when businesses mistake collecting insurance documents for verifying coverage and compliance

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As general-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) makes it easier for businesses to build their own software, Kristen Nunery, founder and CEO of illumend, is warning construction and property management companies against a costly misconception: that building a Certificate of Insurance (COI) tracking system is the same as verifying that contractors and other third parties have the insurance coverage their contracts require.

In her new article, “You Can Build a COI Tracker with AI. That Doesn’t Mean You Should,” Nunery explains that general-purpose AI tools such as ChatGPT can help businesses create applications that collect certificates, track expiration dates, and automate reminders. But those capabilities address only part of the insurance compliance process. Determining whether coverage satisfies contractual requirements involves interpreting insurance documents, reviewing endorsements, identifying exclusions and resolving discrepancies that basic tracking software may overlook.

“AI has democratized the ability to build software. It hasn’t democratized the expertise to make the right insurance decision,” said Nunery, who has spent 16 years in insurance compliance. “If you don’t have a compliance process today, you’re not automating a process. You’re automating your best guess.”

Why a COI Tracker Is Not an Insurance Compliance Verification System

According to Nunery, the critical distinction is between tracking the existence and expiration of insurance documents and verifying whether the underlying coverage meets contractual obligations.

A homegrown COI tracker may confirm that a certificate is current, record policy limits, and flag missing documents. But a current certificate does not necessarily mean a contractor is adequately insured or compliant with an agreement’s terms.

For example, a subcontractor may submit a certificate showing sufficient general liability limits and additional insured status. Yet the underlying endorsement may be a CG 20 10 covering ongoing operations only, while the contract also requires completed-operations coverage under a CG 20 37 or equivalent endorsement. A basic tracker could mark the subcontractor as compliant despite the missing coverage.

“The tracker didn’t misread anything,” Nunery said. “It never had the contract requirement, the endorsement language, or the connection between the two.”

Other potential gaps include incorrectly named insured entities, missing endorsements, inadequate completed-operations coverage, and policy provisions that fail to satisfy contractual insurance requirements. Identifying these issues requires evaluating insurance evidence in context, not simply extracting data from a certificate.

Why Insurance Compliance Verification Requires Specialized Technology

Nunery argues that businesses seeking to move beyond basic COI tracking need technology designed specifically for insurance compliance verification, with insurance expertise embedded in how the system evaluates coverage.

Unlike homegrown tracking tools, specialized compliance platforms such as illumend compare insurance documents against established contractual requirements, examine supporting endorsements, identify coverage gaps, and explain findings that require attention.

This approach powers Lumie, illumend’s specialized AI-powered insurance compliance expert. Lumie reviews certificates and endorsements against established requirements, flags potential deficiencies and provides supporting evidence for its determinations, while allowing compliance professionals to review and resolve exceptions.

“AI should do more than flag a problem. It should show you what it found, which requirement it evaluated, and the evidence behind its assessment,” Nunery said. “Lumie applies insurance expertise at scale and creates a clear record of its findings, so teams can act on routine determinations efficiently and focus their attention on exceptions that need a closer look.”

Nunery’s perspective draws on her experience building myCOI, whose technology has reviewed more than 45 million insurance documents and identified more than 2 million coverage gaps before they became claims, according to company figures.

Build a COI Tracker or Buy a Compliance Platform? The Questions Businesses Should Ask

For organizations considering building their own COI software, Nunery recommends first determining whether they need a document-tracking application or a comprehensive insurance compliance verification system.

Basic tracking needs may be addressed with spreadsheets, conventional software, or applications built with general-purpose AI. But verifying compliance requires substantially more: translating contractual insurance requirements into rules, reviewing endorsements and policy evidence, identifying exceptions, documenting decisions, and maintaining an auditable compliance process.

Businesses must also consider who will keep insurance requirements current, validate the system’s determinations, investigate discrepancies, and maintain the records needed to support compliance decisions during claims or audits.

“Building the software happens once,” Nunery said. “Running a compliance system means keeping requirements, evidence, follow-ups, decisions and the audit trail current, every day it’s in use.”

To read Nunery’s full article, visit https://www.illumend.ai/evaluation-buying/build-vs-buy-coi-tracking-software-ai

About illumend
Founded in 2025, illumend™ is the AI-powered platform redefining how businesses manage third-party insurance compliance and risk. Backed by myCOI, the leader in third-party insurance compliance management with more than 16 years of expertise, illumend reimagines compliance by guiding every step of the process—from document review and expiration tracking to risk flagging, communication, and resolution—within one intuitive system. Built on myCOI’s institutional foundation—having processed more than 45 million documents, managed over 1.2 million agreements, cleared more than 750,000 third-party partners, and identified more than two million coverage gaps before claims—illumend brings this depth of compliance intelligence into an AI-native platform. At its core is Lumie, illumend’s conversational AI guide that reads complex insurance documents, flags issues in real time, and explains them in language anyone can act on. To learn more, visit https://www.illumend.ai.

Media contact:
Michael Tebo
Gabriel Marketing Group (for illumend)
Phone: 571-835-8775
Email: michaelt@gabrielmarketing.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/illumend-ceo-building-a-coi-tracker-with-ai-is-easy-verifying-insurance-compliance-is-not-302914543.html

SOURCE illumend

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