- MOTUM World is a tailorable software package designed specifically for driver education and training, with its first mining-specific release launched at IMARC 2024.
- Fully customisable environments, vehicles and scenarios across any vehicle type.
- To date, the platform has been built for various specialist industries.
- The simulation system has been fully developed in Australia and is backed by global patents.
- For launch partner Alkane Resources, the Epiroc MT65 has been reproduced for training purposes.
The launch of MOTUM World, a comprehensive simulation software offering that can be tailored to any machine and dedicated mine site, is set to revolutionise mine vehicle training.
Revealed at IMARC 2024, MOTUM World's initial release for the mining industry has been launched with partner Alkane Resources, a gold mining and exploration company with operations at Tomingley in the central west of New South Wales.
Produced entirely in Melbourne, Australia, by the team behind MOTUM Simulation, leaders in immersive motion simulation, MOTUM World features a totally customisable platform.
At the heart of MOTUM World is complete adaptability regarding environments, scenarios, and assets - the initial deployment for Alkane Resources features the company's Epiroc MT65 Underground Mining Truck, with its controls replicated in its full-motion simulator.
The program can incorporate different scenarios to align with physical training and real-world events, such as emergency drills and procedures.
A range of metrics can be recorded for trainers, including speed, throttle control, steering precision, braking technique, proximity to other vehicles and obstacles, and mine-specific rule infringements.
Instructors can tailor training scenarios, including testing driver responsiveness, awareness, and skills under various conditions.
Within MOTUM World, any driven vehicle, AI vehicle, mine features, surrounding buildings, structures and landscapes can be developed to simulate real-world conditions and processes within any given mine site.
"We completed a worldwide search looking for software titles - we tried a number of them, and none had the fidelity, adaptability, flexibility and scalability that could match the quality of our hardware offering," said Steve Hoinville, MOTUM Simulation Managing Director.
"So, we have embarked on creating our own software title that could be specifically tailored to the bespoke needs of our customer base.
"We are incredibly proud of our initial release, which has been with select partners for 18 months, including Qube Ports, which have systems in service across their six Australian RoRo ports.
"We also have units in service with emergency services departments, other training providers, and, of course, Alkane Resources in the mining and resources sector.
"A particular focus of the program is to make it as adaptable as possible for any driver education requirement - we have the functionality to expand into any training regime for any industry.
"With other existing driver training software titles, they tend to have small environments, very simple roads or car park examples, but with MOTUM World, if a client wanted to create an entire mine site, we have that ability in-house.
"Furthermore, MOTUM World can be developed for any piece of equipment within the mining industry, ensuring a one-stop solution for operators, with our local team able to produce bespoke machines quickly.
"We aim to develop skills and behaviours in the virtual environment that transfer directly to the real world, which is a true breakthrough for the training and education industry."
For Alkane Resources, the opportunity to train recruits outside of operational vehicles presents significant benefits.
"Training people for our unique underground mining environment is quite a challenge, which is where MOTUM World comes in," said Nic Earner, Managing Director of Alkane Resources.
"MOTUM have been able to design a cabin that matches the Epiroc MT65 so that we can train new starters directly in that cabin in a virtual reproduction of our underground mine.
"The big advantages for us are, number one, we can get people familiar without actually driving that truck in the underground environment, which reduces the likelihood of damage or incidents.
"Number two, it lets us actually put scenarios that truck drivers wouldn't normally see unless something goes wrong – whether it is reversing in tight spaces, simulating a fire or similar.
"Further, being a small resources company, taking a truck out of service for training purposes has a significant impact on our productivity.
"Using MOTUM's technologies allows our assets to remain in service, increasing productivity, and ensuring a rapid ROI.
"All of these things are really valuable to us, and we're hoping to expand with MOTUM World out into other pieces of equipment when we have bedded in the truck driving experience."
MOTUM World is available as a standalone software package or combined with a MOTUM True Motion® Simulator, which has been developed to replicate numerous applications, including passenger vehicles, heavy vehicles, helicopters, motorsports, and more.
Additionally, MOTUM World can be specified to be operated with a VR headset, on a screen, or a combination of the two options.
