Motum and Alkane Toghether launch Simulation of the Epiroc MT65

Nine months after its launch into the mining industry, development continues on the MOTUM World driver training and education software offering, which can be tailored to any machine and dedicated mine site.

In conjunction with launch partner Alkane Resources, a gold mining and exploration company with operations at Tomingley in central New South Wales, MOTUM Simulation has developed a digital twin of the company’s Epiroc MT65 Underground Mining Truck and its underground mine.
Recruits at the operation are now being trained in a MOTUM True Motion Simulator, which has been customised to replicate the Epiroc precisely. The simulator’s cockpit utilises a combination of replica and re-purposed controls from the real vehicle.
In combination with VR headsets, this provides a full 360-degree view of the mine from the truck’s cab, paving the way for a wide array of training scenarios that align with real-world events, all in complete safety.
Produced entirely in Melbourne, Australia, by the team behind MOTUM Simulation, leaders in immersive motion simulation, MOTUM World features a totally customisable platform for any final application.
Instructors can tailor training scenarios, including testing driver responsiveness, awareness, and skills under various conditions, with telemetry recorded for analysis and review.
These metrics include factors such as speed, throttle control, steering precision, braking technique, proximity to other vehicles and obstacles, and mine-specific rule infringements.
For Alkane Resources, the opportunity to train drivers outside of operational vehicles presents significant benefits in terms of training outcomes and efficiency within the mine.

“Over 50 new recruits to Alkane have now been introduced to driving conditions underground via the use of MOTUM’s technology.
This represents a significant cost saving, as much of the training is now done without tying up assets, such as our underground mine trucks, which operate 24 hours, 363 days a year.
ROI on the total cost of this project has been delivered in just a matter of months, and more importantly, this part of our training program is now done objectively, repeatable and in a 100 per cent safe environment.”

Said Nic Earner, Alkane Resources’ CEO.

“To date, a range of tweaks have been applied to different areas of the software, such as handbrake applications, gear shifting, and the start procedure.

In essence, we developed MOTUM World to feature incredibly high fidelity to match the quality of our simulator offering, so it makes total sense that we continue to work with our partners to evolve our product offering to ensure it is of the highest possible quality.

Across multiple industries, we have been making strides in recent times, with deployments in mining, nationwide stevedore operations and emergency services, with further builds focused on the heavy vehicle sector and passenger vehicle training close to public release.”

Said Steve Hoinville, MOTUM Simulation’s Managing Director.

Motum and Alkane Toghether launch Simulation of the Epiroc MT65 published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.