Implementation of DigiTruck
TRL was commissioned to specify, procure and operate a full mission truck simulator to investigate its usefulness in providing training for truck drivers and acceptance of such a technology by the haulage community. |
EADS were selected as the technology providers, delivering an advanced simulator based on the Mercedes Actros and operated from the TRL site in Crowthorne. A part-task simulator was also provided as a demonstration. It's capable of near-photo-realistic graphic environments and six degrees of freedom motion, and uses a highly configurable exercise architecture.
Six hundred drivers were recruited to take part in trials, each coming to TRL and completing two different exercises in the simulator. Drivers' views of the realism of the handling of the simulated vehicle, the realism of the graphic environments and the appropriateness of using a truck simulator for training on different driving techniques were assessed. Results showed that drivers were particularly impressed with the realism of the full mission simulator and that the simulator was most appropriate for training vehicle awareness and higher-speed driving techniques, whereas it was found to be least suitable for training low-speed manoeuvres, particularly those involving mirror work.
For more information on this project, please contact Nick Reed on +44 (0)1344 770046 or nreed@trl.co.uk
