The level of realism of shovel operator training simulators has reached a new heights directly resulting in increased operator training effectiveness, safety and productivity. Immersive Technologies has released VirtualGround™ 3.0 as part of the launch of their Cat 7495 Rope Shovel simulator which takes digging and other shovel related tasks to the highest available level of fidelity. Further operator assessment through Immersive Technologies’ Global Operator Benchmarking System (GOBS) has also been extended to include Electric Rope Shovels.

The Cat 7495 Rope Shovel simulator development was completed under the exclusive alliance in place between Caterpillar and Immersive Technologies. Mark Smith, Training Consultant - Electric Rope Shovels, with Caterpillar Global Mining was one of the Caterpillar project stakeholders key to this project’s success. Smith explained “Caterpillar provides Immersive Technologies with the best information available to ensure the simulator is as close to the real machine as possible. This includes the support of the Caterpillar training and engineering functions to assist the development, which is very important.” This alliance ensures Immersive Technologies’ simulators are the most accurate on the market which translates directly to the quality of operator training achievable.

VirtualGround™ 3.0 incorporated in the 7495 Rope Shovel simulator,is designed to provide realistic material response, digging resistance and visual appearance which are crucial details in support of the effective training, up skilling and assessment of shovel operators. VirtualGround™ 3.0 is the result of working closely with the major mining companies and major equipment manufacturers. Additionally VirtualGround™ 3.0 takes advantage of very recent advancements in computer science along with Immersive Technologies’ twenty year history of experience in mining simulation.

New advanced technologies like VirtualGround TM 3.0 provide a significant benefit for Immersive Technologies’ new and long term customers. Just like earlier enhancements VirtualGround TM 3.0 has been incorporated into SimControl, the software at the heart of Immersive Technologies’ simulators like the PRO3-B. Future updates of SimControl will see VirtualGround™ 3.0 progressively enabled in other machine groups beyond shovels.

SimControl updates are just one of the benefits of the scheduled upgrades delivered to hundreds of mining customers around the globe. Immersive Technologies’ R&D and upgrade program is continually supporting the mining industry in overcoming challenges such as increasing tire life, increasing fuel efficiency and improving dozer stockpile operation safety through SimControl software enhancements.

In support of achieving the maximum return on investment from Immersive Technologies Rope Shovel simulators including the Cat 7495, mine sites are now able to assess the effectiveness of their rope shovel operators through a unique Global Operator Benchmarking System (GOBS) developed by Immersive Technologies. Through GOBS operator performance can be compared against global norms. This provides a global frame of reference for operator performance and highlights opportunities for improvement.

Immersive Technologies offers Training Systems Integration (TSI) and support services to fast track integration of the 7495 Rope Shovel curriculum for the training and development of operators. These services enable mining operations to quickly realize measurable improvements in operator productivity and reduced maintenance events.