VR Crane Simulator

VR Crane Complete Courses

Flint Systems delivered a VR port crane training simulator built on the PS-3TM-350 3DOF motion platform to the New Competence Center in Gdansk in 2020.

The use of VR to train crane operators is rapidly gaining momentum. The crane simulator allows immersing the future employee in any situation that they may encounter on their way. Just one mistake can harm the entire company, its finances or its reputation. Those consequences range from public criticism online to serious on-site accidents - which is why operators need a safe place to rehearse risky maneuvers. It should be noted that companies around the world are increasingly using a VR crane simulator to provide a significant improvement in the learning process. Virtual reality experience creates an accurate simulation of situations faced by staff in tower crane work. The greatest interest in VR simulators was shown in the high-risk industries: energy, construction, industrial production.

A Modern Training Center in Gdansk and Gdynia

The reasons mentioned above prompted the management of the New Competence Center to extend the offer of its services using the tower crane simulations. CNK Sp. z o.o. is an organization that connects a group of investors, innovators, technicians and instructors who together create an innovative training center using the latest technologies, including simulators in virtual and augmented reality VR + AR. They have two training centers in Gdansk and Gdynia, and specialize in the implementation of training and vocational courses for the port, construction, logistics and transport industries. As the first in Poland, they have developed and implemented in 2020 a system for conducting courses and vocational training using innovative simulation technology in virtual and augmented reality VR + AR. In this way, CNK managed to: increase the quality and level of training, obtain measurable verification and assessment of skills, obtain faster and easier assimilation of knowledge and competences.

VR Crane Simulator

For the instructors from New Competence Center, the most important thing was the possibility of implementing various training scenarios and for students, fast learning and safety. It was necessary to purchase a port crane simulator equipped with seat and manipulators adequate to the cabin of a real crane and software allowing the implementation of many programs for learning future students.

In 2020 Flint Systems provided the port crane simulator based on 3DOF motion platform and equipped with all the controls a real crane has, plus a VR headset and software for training on various crane types.

The port crane simulator has been adapted to work with the VR environment. The VR HeadWay technology reduces VR sickness: it subtracts the platform’s own motion from the headset’s tracking, so the virtual view stays steady and the experience feels more real.

The VR headset was delivered by HTC. The motion platform is dedicated for different crane types simulators and is ready to work with HTC Vive/HTC Vive Pro/HTC Vive Pro 2.

Simulation Software

Simulator software is in fact a training application that moves and gets input from the hardware part of the simulator. The application for the crane operator training was delivered by Flint Systems, which is a member of Flint Group. The company produces complete virtual reality simulators for Clients from around the world. Flint Systems offers a unique and tailor-made VR simulator that will help train the employees in the most effective way. The team of qualified architects, engineers, developers, and designers can make any kind of software and hardware.

VR Training Challenging Obstacle Courses

A tower crane places the operator high above the construction site. From there, operators lift objects to help raise the building, and different lifting goals call for different techniques. Training these tasks in the simulator teaches students to run the crane correctly and avoid risks.

The overhead crane located in a warehouse, construction site or port challenges students to complete obstacle courses in a timely manner with difficulties scaling for each obstacle course. This kind of training teaches operations of such a crane and shows how to carefully avoid bumping into obstacles while moving through the course.

In line with the vision of the New Competence Center, the port industry can benefit significantly from VR simulators for training port crane operators. The main goal is to use the same machine that the employees use at port. The only difference is that students operate it in virtual reality, where mistakes carry no real-world risk.