In the first of a regular series in Access magazine, we look at some of the business innovation success stories which have been supported by the Support Programme for Industrial Innovation over the past two years and which are also award-winning examples of South African ingenuity and creativity.

In this edition, we profile a highly innovative approach to the training and evaluation of heavy truck drivers in the USA through the use of highly specialized simulator technology developed in this country.  This project was a finalist in the 2006 annual SPII Awards which are held each year to celebrate innovation throughout South Africa and to recognize companies that have successfully commercialized SPII-supported projects.

Project: Left-hand Drive Truck Simulator Company: Thoroughbred Technologies (Pty) Limited t/a ThoroughTec

The original scope of the development was to design, develop and prototype a configurable on-road truck driver simulator for use in the training and evaluation of heavy truck drivers for the North American market.  However, the scope was subsequently extended to develop a product range with far more flexibility and applicability across a wider range of market segments than was ever envisaged.  The resulting end product is now marketed under the CYBERMINE™ trademark.

The product (which continues to evolve into servicing different market segments) is a highly configurable multi-function simulator systems which may be used for the training and evaluation of both novice and experienced operators of almost any equipment type.  At the heart of the CYBERMINE™ simulator is the simulated vehicle cab, a highly realistic replica of the actual equipment, complete with fully functional simulated instruments and controls.  The replicated cab is optionally mounted on a motion platform capable of imparting up to six degrees of freedom and is surrounded by a wide field of view and high-resolution projection display system with surround sound audio.  Control of all aspects of training and evaluation is exercised in real time from a feature-rich instructor station.

The entire system is housed in a well-appointed, self-contained ISO standard container, which also facilitates ease of transport.  CYBERMINE™ simulators offer a controlled environment, which is highly conducive to the professional training, retraining and evaluation of student operators.  Each CYBERMINE™ simulator provides training and facilitates objective evaluation in the following areas:

•    Training and evaluating novices in the proficient operation of equipment
•    Providing a new-recruit screening system
•    Providing effective refresher training for experienced operators
•    Instilling the theory and practical aspects of economical mining
•    Entrenching safety procedures
•    Providing training in emergency situations not possible on the real equipment.

Operators are logged onto the CYBERMINE™ simulator using a unique password.  As the operator controls the equipment, all aspects of operation are electronically monitored and digitally presented, including adherence to operating and safety procedures and the student’s economic performance.  Exercise results are stored in a comprehensive database for viewing and printing by the instructor.  CYBERMINE™ simulators immerse the operator in a highly realistic operating environment within a 3D training world.  Actual instruments and controls are closely replicated and function just as they do in the real equipment.  The operation of subsystems such as engines, braking systems, hydraulics and drilling heads is mathematically modelled to provide accurate, realistic feedback to the student.  Other simulated equipment and vehicles interoperate with the student to test and enhance his skill levels.  Accurate 3D surround sound reproduction and composite visual effects such as reflections, dust, rain and shadows complete the picture to ensure a high-fidelity training experience.