Inspiration
Every year, thousands of lives could be saved if more citizens knew - and remembered - how to perform high-quality CPR. Yet current first-aid training faces major barriers: sessions are rare, often intimidating, seen as too technical, and the acquired skills fade rapidly, sometimes in less than 30 days. We wanted to tackle this forgotten global problem: how do we help people practice more often, with less stress, and actually retain the life-saving gestures?
Pulse Hero XR was born from this mission: transforming CPR training into an immersive, playful, confidence-building experience.
What We Built
Pulse Hero XR combines a real CPR manikin augmented with custom sensors and a mixed-reality environment that overlays visual and audio feedback directly onto physical practice. The system analyzes compression depth, rhythm, and recoil in real time and translates it into intuitive cues. We developed two complementary modes:
Realistic Simulation Mode – a high-fidelity cardiac arrest scenario where the user receives guidance and instant feedback to improve technique.
Pulse Hero Mode – a rhythmic game inspired by Guitar Hero, where music guides the tempo of compressions and players earn points, combos, and ranks.
By merging serious training with gamification, we make CPR engaging, repeatable, and far less intimidating.
How We Built It
The hardware was built in collaboration with local partners specializing in electronics and embedded systems, integrating custom pressure and motion sensors into a standard manikin.
On the software side, we designed a mixed-reality interface that projects feedback in the user’s field of view. The app was developed using the Meta SDK and finely tuned to sync sensor data with gameplay mechanics.
The rhythmic engine required precise latency management to keep musical cues and compression detection aligned - one of the most complex challenges we faced.
What We Learned
We discovered how dramatically emotion and engagement shape learning outcomes. When users stop fearing mistakes and start having fun, their confidence and the quality of their compressions improve within minutes. We also learned that portability and simplicity are crucial: trainers want a kit they can deploy in under two minutes, anywhere - from classrooms to corporate workshops.
Challenges
Achieving millisecond-level synchronization between physical compressions and beat-matching mechanics
Designing feedback that is clear, meaningful, and non-intrusive in mixed reality
Ensuring robustness across users with very different strength, size, and learning styles
Pulse Hero XR aims to dramatically increase CPR retention and democratize access to life-saving skills - by making practice regular, fun, and unforgettable.
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