Remote control vehicle training solutions 24 Nov 2015

Two global technology leaders join forces to deliver a remote control training solution designed to improve underground safety and profitability.

Immersive Technologies (IMMT) and RCT have, between them, worked for more than 50 years with the world’s leading mining and underground construction companies, and contractors, to deliver smart solutions for increasing productivity and safety at hundreds of sites all around the world.

The jointly developed IMMT/RCD loader simulator

IMMT has been a leading innovator in the undergorund equipment operator training area, while RCT is a respected international supplier of customised vehicle control and guidance systems.

While IMMT solutions are focused on simulator training, allowing operators to learn and practice their skills for mobile equipment tasks, RCT provides its own skills training programs for its ControlMaster® Smart Automation and Control products.

Immersive Technologies (IMMT) recently delivered an Advanced underground loader simulator complete with RCT ControlMaster® CM2000D line-of-sight remote control. The simulator will be used in Kazakhstan to comprehensively train underground workers in the safe operation of loaders, in tight underground spaces, in both manual and remote-control modes.

Simulator training allows operators to be trained and assessed without the need to take expensive machines away from the jobsite, allowing trainee operators to practice and develop skills before being placed in a live underground construction situation. The new approach shortens training time, negates the risk and cost of machine or jobsite damage during training, and speeds the introduction of new operators at mines.

“Underground workers can now learn and develop better skills, they can start on manual, then progress to learn line-of-sight remote control operation, all within the safe confines of a simulator,” said Phil Goode, Senior Business Development Manager with RCT.

“RCT is very excited that our customers can train remote operators on their simulators. Our engineers work with customers to assess and deliver the software and hardware upgrades needed to allow customers to adopt remote control training on their simulators. This will speed up the process to save them time and money.”

IMMT Executive Director – Marketing, Wayde Salfinger, said: “We are very pleased with our collaboration with RCT, as it facilitates another way in which Immersive Technologies now delivers productivity and safety improvements to our mining customers. This collaboration ensures our shared customers have access to highly effective remote operation and tele-operation equipment training solutions.”

“Demand is growing in the underground construction and mining sectors for more advanced simulation-based training, including for tele-remote and semi-autonomous equipment,” said Salfinger.

“RCT and IMMT are ready to meet this demand. Both companies’ have proven off-the-shelf solutions that are compatible. This combination will drive improved operator performance, machine utilisation and mine profitability.”