Driver simulator experts, MOTUM World, has unveiled the first look at the heavy vehicle-specific version of its training software that aims to improve safety outcomes for one of the highest-risk cohorts on the roads.
Funded with assistance from a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) grant, the software platform will be completely customisable and created exclusively with local conditions in mind, said MOTUM World.
“There is a wide range of truck configurations, each of which has a set of driving dynamics that we are reproducing following the input of our industry partners,” said Steve Hoinville, MOTUM Simulation Managing Director.
“For instance, the platform will be able to convey the physics of different loads, and the effects that placement has on the handling of each truck type.
“Additionally, traits such as the movement of fluid within a tanker will be replicable, which will enable potentially dangerous scenarios to be practised in a completely controlled environment.
“Then there are the dynamics of each truck configuration regarding its swept path, which is very important in the learning process for longer vehicles, such as semi-trailers and multi-combinations.”
Hoinville said ultimately, MOTUM World will be able to be honed to any specific truck fleet, while also presenting the opportunity to have particular environments produced for any end user’s individual requirements.
“We have seen across other industries where we have deployed MOTUM World the true value that simulation provides as a supplement to traditional training methods, and through the heavy vehicle release, we will have high fidelity and low-cost training that delivers risk-free, tangible results.
To develop the heavy vehicle release of MOTUM World, the company is working closely with numerous industry stakeholders, including the NHVR, Armstrong’s Driver Training, the Australian Driving Institute, and Driver Safety Australia.
Some key points of MOTUM World’s functionality include a full 360-degree view and surround sound from the synthetic MOTUM World environment, plus high visual realism of the surroundings, situations and AI-driven elements.
For trainers, a range of dedicated telemetry metrics is recorded for analysis and review.
Instructors can also tailor scenarios to test driver responsiveness, awareness, and defensive skills under various road and weather conditions.
The MOTUM World software can be combined with a customisable MOTUM True Motion Simulator, which offers a full range of sensations experienced by drivers, including road surface changes, cornering and braking forces, as well as traction loss.
Further assisting the learning process, VR headsets provide support for drivers to turn their heads up to 180 degrees for reversing, plus left-right checks at intersections and lane changes.
An extension of the potential uses for the release includes the opportunity for it to serve as a broader training tool, enabling everyday motorists to experience the challenges faced by heavy vehicle drivers.