At EnerSys Corporation, we’re committed to advancing pipeline safety through innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology. As part of this mission, we are excited to share details about a new research and development initiative funded by PHMSA—and invite you to contribute your expertise.
We’re currently conducting a survey of pipeline professionals to better understand industry training practices, and we’re asking for your input to help guide this important project.
About the Project
PHMSA R&D Project #693JK32410014POTA
Title: Use of Gamification and Generative AI to Provide More Effective Training for Hazardous Condition and Emergency Response
This project explores how advanced simulation and generative AI can be used to improve team-based training for abnormal operating conditions and emergency response scenarios. By leveraging the ThreatGen AutoTableTop framework and a Generative AI model trained on real-world pipeline events, we aim to create a multi-player “game” that provides realistic scenarios, interactive gameplay, and measurable outcomes. Players will face complex situations generated by the AI and work together in real time to manage incidents—mirroring the communication, coordination, and decision-making required in actual emergencies.
Project Goals
At the heart of this project is the desire to create a more effective and impactful way to prepare teams for hazardous conditions and emergency response. Traditional tabletop exercises and compliance-driven training often fall short in replicating the complexity, emotional pressure, and real-time collaboration required during actual events. This project aims to close that gap.
By combining the immersive capabilities of gamification with the adaptive intelligence of AI, we are building a training tool that mirrors the high-stakes scenarios teams may encounter in the field. The experience will be immersive and realistic, allowing participants to engage in lifelike simulations that mirror real pipeline incidents. It will also be emotionally engaging, anchoring learning through firsthand decision-making and reflection in the midst of simulated pressure.
A core focus is on team-based performance—how people work together, communicate, and make decisions under stress. Unlike individual online modules or static presentations, this platform encourages dynamic interaction, helping teams strengthen their coordination and response strategies.
Finally, the approach is designed to be efficient and scalable—reducing the time, cost, and logistical complexity typically associated with meaningful training exercises. Through this innovative model, we hope to enhance emergency preparedness across the industry and reduce the potential consequences of rare but catastrophic events.
Why Your Input Matters
Effective emergency response begins with effective training. But traditional approaches may not fully replicate the pressures or complexity of real incidents—particularly when it comes to team dynamics.
That’s why your insights are so important.
To ensure the tool we develop reflects real-world practices and meets industry needs, we’re gathering information from pipeline operators and control room personnel on how abnormal and emergency situations are currently addressed through training.
Your participation will help us:
- Identify strengths and gaps in current training programs.
- Understand how teams are structured and trained today.
- Tailor our simulation tool to maximize its usefulness and realism.
How to Participate
We have put together three short surveys designed to capture all the necessary information for the project that takes between 5-15 minutes. The responses from these surveys will help shape the outcome of the project and input from members of the industry is vital. All three surveys are relevant to pipeline operators with each one focusing on different aspects of training.
We are especially interested in hearing from those involved in:
- Control Room Management
- Emergency Response Planning and Training
- Abnormal Condition Recognition and Response
- Team Coordination during Emergency Scenarios
TAKE THE SURVEYS
- Scenario 1: Emergency and Hazardous Condition Response
- Scenario 2: Team Training for Hazardous Condition Response
- Scenario 3: Emergency Response Exercises
What You’ll Be Supporting
By participating, you’ll be contributing to a new approach that could set a new standard for pipeline safety training—an approach that is data-driven, adaptive, and built around real-world team performance. As part of the PHMSA R&D program, this project will also result in a publicly available report documenting findings and recommendations, helping share the benefits of this work across the entire industry.
Thank you in advance for helping us improve training, readiness, and safety across the pipeline industry.