Deakin and motion simulation company Universal Motion Simulator (UMS) have welcomed a Defence contract to procure the university-developed Reconfigurable Driver Simulator (RDS) for the Boxers.
The ADF has purchased six RDS systems, to be delivered in 2022.
The RDS includes a common motion platform comprising a robotic arm, an instructor operator station, vehicle specific simulation software and cabin. The cabin simulates the driver’s position of the actual vehicle with replica controls and functions, while the simulation software mimics the physics of the vehicle for the trainee.
The cabin can be removed and replaced with another variant, allowing the simulator to be used for multiple types of vehicles.
Drivers will experience real-life scenarios and realistic vehicle motion while under direction from an experienced Army instructor.
UMS CEO Cameron Selkrig and UMS Director Kerrie Parker joined Minister Sarah Henderson and Director General of Combined Arms Fighting Systems Brigadier Greg McGlone to sign the agreement at the University’s Waurn Ponds Campus.
Parker said the formation of UMS as a company to manufacture Australian technology for the Defence market was a perfect example of universities living their purpose to translate the laboratory into real world outcomes.
“Deakin is proud to be leading the transition from plant-based manufacturing to the advanced manufacturing required of the future. This will enable Australia to not just keep up with the new way of designing, building and using commodities, but to be ahead of the pack,” Parker said.
“It is essential that our ADF has access to world-leading systems, resources and training, but it is equally important for both our security and our economy that they are able to source locally-designed and built technology,” Selkrig said.
“UMS is delighted the Reconfigurable Driver Simulator will support the Army in providing the best trained drivers of its highly technical fleet.”