Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) invest in two FORUM8 Driver Training Simulation Systems

Following an extensive European-wide public procurement competition, Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) ordered two bespoke lorry driving simulation systems for its Supply, Chain, Logistics and Procurement Centre of Excellence in Cavan. The driving simulators have been installed by the western operation of FORUM8, the world-renowned Japanese 3D Virtual Reality Simulation specialists.

The intended purpose of these simulators is to provide learners with the ability to experience an enhanced training tool, to fine tune their driving skills in a safe and secure environment.

The Project
FORUM8’s winning bid comprised the supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of two bespoke, 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF), motion-based lorry driving simulators, powered by FORUM8’s award winning real-time interactive 3D VR simulation &and modelling software VR-Design Studio (aka UC-win/Road).

FORUM8’s system included an Instructor Control Station from which the learners driving programs can be controlled and their performance monitored and recorded. In addition, CMETB can add additional features to the overall driver training system, as required. These included, 360˚ VR head mounted display units (HMDs), eye tracking devices, cockpit mounted cameras and biometric driver monitoring systems.

The Interactive Driver Training Software
FORUM8’s winning bid comprised the supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of two bespoke, 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF), motion-based lorry driving simulators, powered by FORUM8’s award winning real-time interactive 3D VR simulation &and modelling software VR-Design Studio (aka UC-win/Road).

The two lorry drive simulators are powered by FORUM8’s highly functional software VR-Design Studio. In addition to its inherent interactive capabilities, VR-Design Studio’s 3D modelling features allow users to build hypothetical or real road networks, and infrastructure, quickly and easily, using a range of modelling techniques, as well as elements from the free FORUM8 database of over 8000+ 3D models and textures.

VR-Design Studio also contains features that enable bespoke driver training programs to be built to meet customers’ precise requirements. Learners can drive within a photo-realistic, immersive 3D VR urban or rural environment, on or off road, in the most realistic manner, experiencing as many different driving scenarios and emergency events as required, in the safe and secure environment of the classroom.

The FORUM8 software can also mimic the different visual experiences of driving in different types of vehicles, from cars to bicycles, buses to lorries.

CMETB’s chosen system included many pre-built driving scenarios, as well as FORUM8’s GUI based scenario creation module (REM). This software will enable CMETB staff to produce additional driving scenarios, as required. These scenarios can be activated automatically, as the driven vehicle passes pre-set way points, alternatively they can be activated dynamically by the instructor.

The winning proposal also outlined other optional software components that could be incorporated into future Driver Training simulation systems. These included, FORUM8’s unique software that enables multiple simulators to be clustered together so that students can experience driving within the same virtual road network, interacting with each other and other traffic as in the real world.

FORUM8 Simulator System Hardware Components
The chosen bespoke lorry simulator is an open cockpit style Right Hand Drive, motion-based, 6 degrees of freedom system, with 3 x 50” curved UHD 4K LED screens providing a wide field of view. It has castors to aid movement with a hydraulic seat with a 3-point safety belt and a gear box which meets CMETB’s specific requirements, along with haptic pedals. It has a full-size steering wheel with force feedback and column mounted switches for headlights, windscreen wipers and turning indicators. The digital dashboard displays all the required readings, and the simulator cockpit includes a rear-view mirror as well as a digital sound system. To conform with the published requirements, we also included an emergency cut off switch. The proposed simulator is powered by an appropriate PC and was designed to provide the lowest cost option whilst meeting all the technical requirements.
All hardware components included in the winning bid are manufactured in the EU.

The following are examples of how a CMETB instructor can interact with the driver before and during the training session...

• The remote activation of scenarios and driving hazards (crashes, near-misses, etc.)
• Communication with the driver via radio and tablet
• Recording and monitoring driver performance
• Creating customized reports
• Playback individual drives for review with the student(s)
• Control of the driving conditions

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board
provides a comprehensive range of education services throughout Cavan and Monaghan and is the largest educational provider in the region. Formed in 2013, the authority plays a leading role in the provision of high-quality education and training in the region encompassing second-level schools, Institutes of Further Education and a range of adult and further education centres delivering education and training programmes.
https://www.cmetb.ie/