Development of transporter training simulator based on virtual reality and vehicle dynamics model

A transporter is a means of transportation that is widely used in heavy industries to move heavy loads called blocks. Because the transporter has a more complex operating system compared to the regular car, it takes a lot of time to become familiar with its operation. However, it is not easy to find a proper place and a transporter for training operators. As a result, the number of accidents caused by the operator's inexperience, such as block drops or collisions, is increasing every year. Therefore, in this study, a transporter training simulator based on virtual reality is developed to allow transporter operators to be trained anytime, anywhere without considering actual transporter and a special training place. This training simulator is composed of five modules. The first module is models of the transporter and the shipyard to be displayed in virtual reality. The second is implementation of the transporter operations such as lifting, lowering, and moving wheels. The third is vehicle dynamics model to implement realistic movement of the transporter. The fourth is the network function to simulate collaboration among workers. The fifth is the scenario module to simulate work situations that are similar to actual ones. By using the developed simulator, a scenario where the signalman and the operator collaborate to transport a block is successfully conducted. & COPY; 2023 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Society of Naval Architects of Korea. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Automated summary

A transporter training simulator based on virtual reality is developed in this study, allowing transporter operators to be trained anytime, anywhere without actual equipment and training place. The simulator includes models of the transporter and the shipyard, implementation of transporter operations, vehicle dynamics model, network function, and scenario module.