Volvo Construction Equipment (
Using genuine data from Volvo CE machines, materials and customer sites, the new simulator and its software, which received its global premiere at the Hillhead 2016 exhibition near Buxton, England, means an excavator, wheeled loader and articular hauler operator are able to see each other’s movements and work together to complete jobs. Customers can even input a three-dimensional map of their site and material data, enabling operators to practice real-world tasks without even setting foot in a cab. This emphasis on realism and accuracy is said to be rapidly separating Volvo CE’s simulator from others on the market. What’s more, the upgrade doesn’t require any additional hardware to run and can simply be downloaded via the internet.
“We’re using industry-leading software that offers multiple scenarios in different settings, so the operator cannot simply ‘learn’ the course like in a video game; they have to improve their skills in order to achieve a higher score,” says Stefan Pettersson, an application engineer within Volvo CE’s Sales Region EMEA.
“By trialling different routes to time, material types and densities, and machine settings, the upgraded simulator can help customers achieve maximum productivity and uptime while minimising fuel consumption and wear,” Pettersson adds.
During operation, real-time data is relayed back to spectators/trainers on a separate screen about both the individual operators and the combined effort. This data can then be compared to average operator values, including those who have completed Volvo CE’s ECO Operator training. Production value, machine cost, operator cost and actual revenue is generated, which, when combined with fixed costs such as depreciation, interest, machine tax and insurance, gives potential customers an accurate total cost of ownership projection.
“The new software is essential for effective operator training,” Pettersson continues. “Training exercises have been developed in cooperation with experienced operators and instructors to ensure the necessary skills are being assessed, and experts have hailed them as the best in the industry. The simulator can also help develop tailored training plans for individual operators.”
A number of Volvo CE dealers across EMEA have training rooms fitted with simulators and offer training to customers. Even some customers, who are increasingly seeing the benefit of this type of operator training, install Volvo CE simulators at their own sites. However, these tend to be the larger companies that have multiple sites, hundreds of employees and the resources to operate such training.
All Volvo CE simulators feature a high-definition 3D display, coupled with an electronically controlled full-motion platform that allows the operator to see and feel how the machine would react in real-life situations. But Pettersson is keen to stress that no two simulators are the same. “There is no set price for our simulators,” he explains. “When a customer comes to us wanting to purchase this technology, we don’t hand them an off-the-shelf simulator; that is not what we offer. We develop the software especially for them, taking into account the site in which they are working, their particular machines etc., making it truly bespoke.”
“Currently, the new software has the capability to run multiple excavators, articulated haulers and wheeled loaders in conjunction,” Pettersson concludes. “However, Volvo CE’s ambition is to further develop it to accommodate more machines to ensure we stay ahead in the market and continue to support our ever-growing customer base.”
