IMMERSIVE Technologies has been given the thumbs-up for its first four-wheel drive light vehicle conversion kit for training simulators.
The kit, which hit the global market in June 2008, has been hailed a success at BHP Billiton’s Middelburg coal mine for its ability to complement its existing light vehicle simulated training systems.
Immersive Technologies manager, Gerrit Zevenster, says the mine had experienced some light vehicle accidents and saw the opportunity to use the simulator kits to train drivers to increase safety awareness at the site.
The kit is said to provide a realistic training tool which replicates the driving characteristics and handling of off-highway road conditions found in mine site environments. The product includes a fully operational manual transmission and features operating controls common in 4WD vehicles.
Particular attention has been placed on recognizing and avoiding visual blind spots using unique visual aids which can be activated to demonstrate the inability of haul truck drivers to see the light vehicle when in close proximity.
The simulator also instructs trainees on how to respond to emergency situations, incorporates highly realistic off-road conditions and simulated landscapes and environments for all scenarios, including night operations and driving in rain or dust.
Zevenster says the system enhances productivity, reduces the need for unscheduled maintenance and lowers production costs.
Immersive says the system is based on feedback and suggestions from its customers, and feedback to date has been “very positive”. A number of mines are now taking BHP’s lead, with orders exceeding previous expectations.
Immersive develops a wide range of training simulators with a full range of operating scenarios. Products include emergency situations, equipment control stations and operating procedures which expose operators to situations long before they get behind the wheel of expensive equipment.
The company has conversion kits for over 55 machine models, many based on models by Bucyrus, Hitachi and Komatsu.
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