Volvo Construction Equipment claims its new upgraded simulator is the first in the world to allow excavator, wheeled loader and articulated hauler operators to interact in the same virtual environment.
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Customers can input a three-dimensional map of their sites and material data, enabling operators to practice real-world tasks without setting foot in a cab.
The upgrade does not require any additional hardware to run and can be downloaded via the internet.
“We are 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.”
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.
A number of Volvo CE dealers across EMEA have training rooms fitted with simulators and offer training to customers, and some customers install the simulators at their own sites.
Pettersson says that no two simulators are the same, with the software being specially developed for each customer, taking into account such parameters as the site in which they are working and their particular machines, “making it truly bespoke.”
“Currently, the new software has the capability to run multiple excavators, articulated haulers and wheeled loaders in conjunction,” says Pettersson.
“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.”
