BHP Rail Training
Rail Shunting and Driving
Background
This project was established to produce a set of Virtual Reality (VR) and Simulation experiences to assist and enhance the BHP Rail Training Curriculum for Rail Shunting and Driving courses.
Virtual Reality Training
The training program supports rail unit competency within Certificate II and III – Rail Operations, developing the skills and knowledge for safe rail operations as per regulatory requirements.
The VR training experience is set on a virtual rail track to educate drivers in hazard identification, yard operations, primary rail activities and safety systems, safety equipment, roll-by inspections, and shunting. In addition, Rail Simulations develop learners’ confidence and skill in train driving including testing and applying braking systems, responding correctly to signals, stopping andRail Shunting and Driving
"...explore high-risk, high-consequence activities in a safe virtual environment..."
Benefits
These VR and Simulation experiences are perfectly placed to explore high-risk, high-consequence activities in a safe virtual environment. These experiences assist the training of highly skilled shunters and drivers who demonstrate best practices, a result of repeatable procedural training sessions. The opportunity to provide advanced skills development is available through customisable scenarios.
Telemetry
The virtual reality simulation is linked to a telemetry system providing real-time performance analytics allowing trainers to monitor each learner through their training.
The telemetry dashboard describes:
- A sequence that shows a high-level summary of the scenario.
- A log that shows the actions of the VR learner.
- Controls for scenario management and situation customisation.
- Statistics on train behaviour such as speed and brake pressures.
Hardware
The VR learner uses a virtual reality headset to view the simulation experience. The learner can freely look around the cab and lean closer to or further away from the operator’s console. The headset alignment and VR learner’s seated position will be calibrated at the beginning of each session to ensure they can see clearly and can comfortably reach all required controls.
The learner is seated in a motion platform, which will move and rotate to emulate real train movement.
BASETEN
HTC Vive Pro (VR Headset):
This choice was made due to its industry-wide use and appeal. It provides exceptional value with its high resolution, ideal for viewing detailed environments such as a cabin control panel.
Index Controllers (VR Controllers):
Intuitive handheld controllers allow the learner to interact within virtual environments with ease and intuition.
Motion Platform:
Powered by hydraulics, the seated platform gives learners the perceived experience of motion along the horizontal axis. The hydraulics will respond directly to feedback from the simulation, specifically when the VR learner accelerates or applies breaks while driving.
VR Sensors:
Critical to providing function to the VR headset/controllers are the sensors. Sensors help the headset and controllers track the exact location/movement to match the actions of the learner in the physical environment and affect what they are experiencing inside the simulation.
Motion Platform
Introduction to VR
The introductory experience uses the rail office and yard to familiarise the learner with key virtual reality safety protocols, and core navigation and interaction methods.
Adjusting the VR hardware for safety and comfort is essential before the learner is taken trackside to learn:
- How to navigate within VR.
- Interact with the environment.
- Gather information.
- Respond to stimuli.
The learner can view the virtual rail environment from ground and cabin deck levels and explore the surroundings. This experience eases the learner into a new way of training and sets them up for success in the remaining experiences and simulations.
This requires the learner to demonstrate competency in using VR mechanics and describe the importance of VR safety.
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