How Motion Simulation Training Works
Motion simulation training technology is built on a foundation of haptic technology–a rapidly advancing field that uses tactile feedback to simulate real-world touch and motion sensations. Essentially, haptics replicate the physical sensations trainees would experience in real-world conditions.
On top of that, actuators are the medium of motion simulation. These hydraulic parts provide the full range of motion required to mimic your real-life scenarios. Whether it's the vibration of pavement under the wheels of a truck, the turbulence felt mid-flight, or the subtle shifts in balance while maneuvering a crane, actuators on your simulator recreate these sensations with pinpoint accuracy. The experience is often silent, efficient, and immersive.
When combined with on-screen visuals, these haptics help immerse users in hyper-realistic environments that mimic real-life conditions. In turn, this creates lifelike training experiences that are safer and more controlled.
Benefits of Motion Simulation-Based Training
And it doesn’t just stop at realism and time efficiency. Motion-simulated training offers many more benefits that can literally transform how companies train their workforce. Here are six advantages that make this technology a game-changer for training programs:
- Reduction of training time
Think about it like this: once you take away the equipment preparation, scheduling, instructor coordination, and machinery setup, you’re left with much extra time. And because motion simulators are already built and ready to go, this makes them highly efficient. Trainees can have an accelerated learning experience right away.
2. Realistic & customizable environments
This kind of modern technology allows companies to create custom training scenarios that fit their personal real-life work situations. For example, if your company mainly works in Arctic conditions, your simulator can be programmed to your exact circumstance so employees can train in snowy and icy conditions. This way, trainees are exposed to real scenarios they will actually experience on the job.
3. Enhanced memorization through muscle memory
Motion simulators are also great tools to stimulate muscle memory–allowing teams to remember specific motor skills and perform them without extra effort. For example, when your employees are eventually on the real-life job, muscle memory from their countless training sessions kick in and take over instantly.
4. Massive cost savings
Real training setups can be costly when you factor in the instructor’s time, machinery maintenance, and the potential cost of mistakes. But because motion simulation training takes place in a controlled and virtual environment, companies can avoid these high costs associated with traditional setups–potentially billions of dollars.
5. Maximum safety
One of the difficulties of training newer employees on heavy machinery is the increased risk of accidents due to inexperience. The great news about introducing motion simulators into your training program is that it makes that risk virtually zero. Basically, maintaining the highest levels of safety for you and your team.
6. Durability and longevity
In terms of durability, simulation equipment is built to last. Each simulator is designed to withstand repeated use, making it a durable, long-term investment. Many simulation rigs, like D-BOX’s, are built with the highest quality materials on the planet, so you don’t have to worry about constant maintenance or faulty equipment.
Industries That Can Benefit From Motion Simulation Training
Simulation training solutions can be used across almost any industry, but we’ve seen some sectors have particularly transformative results. These industries include:
- Construction. Crew members like heavy equipment operators can practice navigating complex environments without ever leaving the training facility.
- Military Defense. Personnel can be trained in highly realistic combat situations, improving preparedness without putting lives at risk.
- Flight. Pilots can practice various flight conditions, like flight sim cockpit turbulence to emergency scenarios, gaining critical experience without needing to be in the air.
- Rail. Train operators can practice navigating both everyday transportation and high-intense situations on the tracks in a safe, controlled environment away from the public.
- Automotive. Certain vehicle operators, such as the police force and professional racers, can practice driving under different road conditions, enhancing their skills and safety.
See Motion Simulation Training In Action
Is Motion Simulation Right for Your Company?
Many businesses have already turned to motion simulation and are reaping the benefits from day one. If you want to authentically re-create real-world work scenarios in an efficient time frame, then simulation training could be a solution for your company, too. Compared to traditional methods, this new training experience has many more advantages and is proven to be effective.
At D-BOX, we’re leaders in motion simulation. Our haptic developers have invested over 350,000 hours hand-coding more than 65,000 effects, making our training simulations as realistic as possible–so your team can be prepared to do their job. Whether you’re in aviation, construction, or defense, our professionally-backed technology can help your team train smarter, faster, and safer.