EXCAVATOR SIMULATOR

The excavator simulator is a specialized training tool that mimics the operation and working conditions of a real excavator machine. The simulator provides operators with the opportunity to gain experience in a safe environment before working in the field.

Learning Technologies
SIMPro3 Excavator Simulator

The excavator simulator is a training tool specifically designed to enhance the skills and experience of excavator operators working in the construction sector. The simulator offers operators the opportunity to practice in a safe environment before working with real excavator machines on-site. This helps reduce errors that may occur on the construction site and promotes a safer working environment. Errors made in the construction area can lead to both financial losses and safety risks. The excavator simulator minimizes these risks, providing operators with a safer and more cost-effective learning process.

The simulator mimics the operation and working conditions of real excavators as accurately as possible. This allows operators to experience situations they may encounter in the field in advance. Additionally, the excavator simulator enables operators to gain experience with different types of machines and various working conditions. Operators can learn how to operate different types of excavators and understand how to navigate changing environmental conditions.

The excavator simulator offers a wide range of training scenarios at various difficulty levels. These scenarios help operators develop skills such as digging, material handling, ground leveling, and handling hazardous situations. Furthermore, they enhance the ability of operators to work in challenging and variable conditions preparing them for real working environments.

Simulator Highlights

The environmental elements and especially the excavator models used in the excavator simulator are detailed to give the user a high sense of realism. The models are designed in accurate dimensions, shapes, and colors using technical drawings and reference photos provided by contractors, allowing operators to experience a simulation that closely resembles reality.

The excavator simulator accurately simulates the environmental interactions and vehicle responses of the excavator. It offers experience in working under different ground and weather conditions, enabling operators to practice the effects of ground deformation and weather conditions.

The simulator conveys the excavator's responses (such as steering, acceleration, and braking) precisely to the operators. These realistic responses help operators better control the machine and perform better in the actual working area.

The excavator simulator realistically reflects the excavator's engine performance, torque, and hydraulic pressure measurements. This allows operators to fully experience how the machine works and use it more effectively.

The excavator simulator provides detailed reports that monitor and evaluate operators' performance. These evaluations help identify areas where operators need improvement.

Instructors can monitor the simulator environment from different camera angles and evaluate operators' performance in detail.

The excavator simulator offers operators the option of using a touch screen or a full-size cabin. The touch screen provides ease of use for inputs, while the full-size cabin makes the experience of working with a real machine more realistic.

The simulator offers rich course content covering all important aspects of the excavator machine. The content provides comprehensive training, enabling operators to learn all the details and operations related to excavator machines.

The excavator simulator provides options for 3DOF or 6DOF motion platforms. These motion systems allow operators to experience different levels of movement freedom, offering a realistic driving experience. An integrated archiving mechanism is included to detect and repair any malfunctions that may occur in the system.

Software Features

All analog sensors used in the joysticks are hall effect type, which is sensitive to magnetic flux and does not require mechanical contact. Joysticks provide users with more precise and accurate control, allowing operators to manage the machine more safely and efficiently.

The excavator simulator monitors and analyzes operators' performance in real time. They offer detailed performance reports throughout the training process, helping to identify areas where operators need improvement.

The simulator realistically simulates the drop in engine speed and other strains when the excavator operates under load. This helps operators understand the machine's performance under load and learn to work efficiently.

The excavator simulator realistically models the machine's dynamic responses and movements, reacting appropriately to various working conditions. This system includes five different drag models, accurately reflecting the machine's movement and responses in various conditions. This way operators learn how the machine will respond in real working conditions.

The engine model is based on the actual pedal-speed torque data provided by the manufacturer. This allows for an accurate reflection of the excavator's performance and responses. The engine, torque, steering, brake, and other subsystems are simulated to match the real machine.

The excavator simulator offers a wide range of scenarios that allow operators to practice in different working environments. Scenarios such as maneuvering in tight spaces, load instability, and challenging weather conditions help operators develop various skills. These scenarios prepare operators for the challenges they may face at any construction site.

The fuel consumption of the engine is simulated according to the data provided by the manufacturer. This allows operators to learn about fuel economy and efficiency.

The excavator simulator features a precise load identification system that helps operators accurately identify and manage different types and weights of loads.

The simulator enhances realism by simulating day and night conditions based on the date and time. It offers various lighting options suitable for conditions such as rain, snow, fog, and cloudy weather.

It is designed to be compatible with virtual reality (VR) headsets. Providing users with a more immersive and realistic experience.

High-quality texture rendering-based images are created for mirrors and camera systems. These high-quality images expand the operators' field of view, offering a realistic experience.

The excavator simulator provides detailed data analytics on operators' performance and the training process. This data helps instructors and managers make more informed decisions. Data analytics optimize the training process and support the development of operators.

Equipment Requirements

• 1 simulation computer
• 1 virtual reality headset (for the virtual reality version)
• 3 monitors/TVs
• 1 cabin containing the physical inputs of the excavator machine (steering wheel, pedals, etc.)
• 1 touch screen
• 1 uninterruptible power supply (used to ensure data and system security against power outages)

Virtual Reality Support

Virtual reality support enhances the training process by providing operators with a realistic experience. By integrating VR technology into the simulator, operators can experience real-world scenarios and situations through simulations. VR support allows operators to gain flexibility and the opportunity to identify mistakes immediately.

Realistic Experience: VR technology makes operators feel like they are using a real excavator. With advanced graphics and 360-degree viewing capabilities, operators can visually experience all the details inside and outside the vehicle. It helps users better understand how to use control levers, the steering wheel, and other components.

Real-World Scenarios and Conditions: The VR-supported simulator allows operators to experience real-world scenarios and conditions through simulations. Different scenarios such as challenging weather conditions, maneuvering in tight spaces, and working on various surfaces can be recreated in the VR environment. Operators can develop their ability to handle various challenges.

Identifying and Correcting Mistakes: VR technology offers operators the chance to identify and correct mistakes immediately. With real-time feedback, users can notice and rectify their errors right away. This accelerates the learning process and prevents operators from repeating the same mistakes.

Flexibility and Adaptation: VR-supported simulators provide operators with flexibility. They enhance the ability to work in different job scenarios and conditions. This enables operators to adapt more quickly and effectively to various situations they might encounter in real life.

Safe Training Environment: VR simulators allow operators to experience risky situations in a safe environment. It eliminates the risk of physical harm during the training process and allows operators to develop their skills safely.

Camera Angles

Rear View Camera: The rearview camera helps operators see the back when reversing. It enhances safety during reverse maneuvers and minimizes blind spots.

Instructor Cameras: Designed specifically for instructors, these cameras allow them to monitor the training area from different angles and evaluate the operators' performance.

The excavator simulator utilizes various camera angles to provide maximum visibility and control during the operator training process. These camera angles allow operators to observe the machine and its surroundings from different perspectives, ensuring safe and efficient operation. The diverse camera angles offer users a comprehensive training experience.

Operator Perspective Camera: This camera allows the operator to see the machine and the work area from their seated position. It provides a realistic driving experience, helping operators accurately perceive the machine's controls and surroundings.

External Camera: This camera provides a wide-angle view from outside the machine, enabling operators to see how the real excavator interacts with objects and obstacles around it. It is particularly useful when maneuvering in tight spaces.

Load Camera: The load camera allows operators to clearly see the condition and position of the load during lifting and carrying operations. It facilitates the safe and balanced transportation of loads.

Top View Camera: Covering a wide area from above the machine, this camera gives operators environmental awareness. It is especially useful during complex maneuvers and precise tasks.

Motion Platform Options

The excavator simulator aims to meet operators' training needs with various platform options. The options include a stationary platform, a 3DOF (Three Degrees of Freedom) motion platform, and a 6DOF (Six Degrees of Freedom) motion platform. Each platform is designed to meet different training requirements and experience levels, preparing operators better for real-world working environments.

Stationary Platform: The stationary platform is ideal for basic training and offers operators the opportunity to learn machine controls and develop their skills. This platform helps operators learn basic maneuvers and tasks in a safe and controlled environment. By simulating various scenarios that might be encountered during actual machine use, operators gain experience. Additionally, the stationary platform provides a cost-effective training option for beginner operators.

3DOF Motion Platform: The 3DOF (Three Degrees of Freedom) motion platform offers a more advanced training experience. It allows operators to experience simulations in three movement axes (rotation, forward-backward, and side-to-side), providing a more realistic feel of the machine's movements. The 3DOF motion platform teaches operators how to maneuver and control the machine more effectively under challenging working conditions. It helps operators develop their skills in tasks and working on various ground conditions.

6DOF Motion Platform: The 6DOF (Six Degrees of Freedom) motion platform provides the highest level of realism and training quality. It offers operators a simulation experience in six movement axes (rotation, forward-backward, side-to-side, up-down, tilting, and rolling), allowing them to fully feel all the machine's movements and responses. The 6DOF motion platform teaches operators how to use the machine safely even in the most complex and challenging working conditions. Tasks requiring high precision allow operators to perfect their skills.

Real-Time Graphics and Visuals

Thanks to detailed graphics and realistic visuals, operators encounter various scenarios during the simulation and experience real-world conditions. Real-time graphics and visuals allow operators to simulate different weather conditions, times of day, and seasons. The simulation helps operators learn how to work in various conditions and understand how to adapt to them.

Operators can experience working in different periods, such as sunrise, midday, sunset, and night. Various weather conditions, including rainy, snowy, foggy, cloudy, and sunny can also be simulated. These conditions can be made more realistic in the simulation with adjustable intensity levels. Factors such as rain and snow levels, fog density, and cloud cover can be adjusted to test how operators perform in these variable conditions.

The simulation features enhance operators' ability to work under different weather and lighting conditions and equip them with the skills to solve problems they might encounter in challenging work environments. Detailed graphics and realistic visuals make users feel as if they are truly on the field, enhancing the impact of the training experience and making the learning process more efficient.

Study Reports

During the simulation, instructors can monitor operators' actions and performance in real time. They measure and report on various aspects of performance, such as speed, load control, maneuverability, precision, and safety. The data helps identify the operator's strengths and weaknesses. The simulator provides detailed reports on the operator's performance and progress.

The reporting system in the simulator allows instructors to track every movement of the operator and provide immediate feedback when necessary. Monitoring the operator's speed helps detect errors like excessive acceleration or deceleration, while load control reports show whether loads are being transported safely and correctly. Maneuverability measures how effectively the operator handles the machine in tight spaces or challenging conditions.

Precision reports assess how accurately the operator uses the machine. Safety performance includes factors like adherence to safety procedures and seat belt usage. The data is crucial for making improvements in areas where the operator is lacking.

Steering and Joysticks

In the excavator simulator, the steering wheel and control levers are crucial components designed to replicate the real excavator experience as closely as possible. The ergonomic and high-precision steering wheel mimics the actual excavator steering and provides the operator with a natural driving experience. The steering movements are instantly and accurately reflected in the simulation, ensuring that the operator's navigation actions are realistically simulated.

Speed Gauge: Displays the speed of the excavator, measured in km/h.
Voltage Gauge: Monitors the voltage of the electrical system.
Warning Lights: Used for various warnings and malfunction indications.
Steering Wheel: Ergonomically designed for a realistic driving experience.
Tachometer: Monitors engine RPM.
Temperature Gauge: Monitors engine temperature.
Stabilizer Controls: Used to adjust vehicle stability.
Headlight Controls: Turns vehicle headlights on/off.
Parking Brake: Puts the vehicle in park position.
Mode Buttons: Switches between different driving modes.

Quantification and Consideration

The excavator simulator includes a reporting module that can generate outputs in HTML or PDF formats containing the following information at the end of the scenario. The reporting system eliminates record-keeping confusion and makes training more efficient.