Underground Mine Locomotive Simulator to be Developed by ThoroughTec

MINEWEB – DECEMBER 2008

Mining equipment simulators are now used extensively in operator training without exposing costly equipment to novices. The latest to be developed is an underground locomotive simulator from South Africa’s Throroughtec.

South African mine simulator specialist, Thoroughbred Technologies (ThoroughTec) is to launch the latest module in its CYBERMINE™ range of simulators with an underground locomotive simulator for use in training of new operators.  The simulator was requested by two existing ThoroughTec CYBERMINE™ clients, both of which have placed orders for the new unit.

As with commercial aircraft simulators, the ThoroughTec modules enable training of novices, and upgrading and revival of skills for ongoing training and returning equipment operators without having to use expensive, and sometimes limited availability, actual operating equipment for training purposes.

“The entire system is housed in a well-appointed, self-contained ISO standard container, which also facilitates ease of transport.”

At the heart of the CYBERMINE™ locomotive simulator is the simulated cab, a highly realistic replica of the actual equipment, with fully functional simulated instruments and controls. The replicated cab is mounted on a motion platform capable of imparting, in this case, three degrees of freedom, and is surrounded by a wide field of view, 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, re-training and evaluation of student operators.
The locomotive simulator will implement the following major functionality:

•    The loco will operate in a 3D virtual world, representing an underground mine.
•    The loco will be capable of being started, driven forward, reversed and
•    stopped.
•    The engine, power train, drive train and all associated components will be
•    simulated to a level of fidelity sufficient to provide a realistic training experience.
•    The student will be scored against procedural and safety checks.
•    The instructor will be able to prepare and tailor exercises for the student to execute.
•    The instructor will be able to monitor and evaluate the student while the
•    simulation is running.
•    The instructor will be able to inject fault conditions both before and during
•    exercise execution.
•    The instructor will be able to review and replay the student’s exercises.
•    The simulated cab hardware will be manufactured in a swap-out cab design.
•    The simulated cab will be mounted on a low profile 3 degree of freedom
•    motion platform.

The virtual world will include 2 chutes, 2 tips, a workshop, a decline, a number of bends, a number of intersections marked and unmarked and a number of tunnels. There will be a computer controlled guard performing actions for the loco operator, some computer controlled pedestrians and other computer controlled locos in the world.

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 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 as they do in the real equipment. The operation of sub-systems such as engines, braking systems and hydraulics is mathematically modelled to provide accurate, realistic feedback to the student. Other simulated people, equipment and vehicles may be programmed to interoperate with the student to test and enhance his skill levels. Accurate 3D surround sound reproduction and composite visual effects such as reflections, dust and shadows complete the picture to ensure a high fidelity training experience.

The complete range of CYBERMINE™ simulators includes modules simulating LHDs, underground and surface drill rigs, underground and surface haul trucks, dozers, wheel loaders, roof bolters, shovels, excavators and draglines. ThoroughTec simulators are in use in mines and mine training facilities around the world.