MOTUM World is bringing a new virtual training option to the heavy vehicle space after securing a grant from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
Produced entirely in Australia by the MOTUM Simulation team, MOTUM World is a customisable software platform created with local conditions in mind.
The company says the NHVR grant, under the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, paves the way for widespread software adoption in a massive target market.
A range of options will be developed across the heavy vehicle transport spectrum, encompassing smaller rigid trucks through to multi-combinations.
And the driving dynamics of different load types will be recreated in the virtual training world, such as the carriage of liquids.
To develop MOTUM World for the heavy vehicle market, the business is working closely with industry stakeholders including the NHVR, Armstrong’s Driver Training, the Australian Driving Institute and Driver Safety Australia.
“Extensive research has validated the effectiveness of simulators in driver training and, through MOTUM World, we have a platform that has been researched and developed locally for our specific conditions, improving safety outcomes for one of the highest-risk cohorts on our roads,” MOTUM Simulation managing director Steve Hoinville said.
“As simulation technology has improved in fidelity and cost, it is now a tool that can and should be accessible in all driver training scenarios, especially for those situations that are too dangerous to replicate in real life.
“Simulation-based training is the logical supplement to the traditional method.
“Countering the significant limitations of on-road training, MOTUM World offers cost-effective, repeatable, 100 per cent objective training that is totally risk-free.
“It can be undertaken in any location, at any time, and it is not dependent on the availability of vehicle assets.
“While our company has roots in producing physical simulators, we identified a significant hole in the market for driver training software specifically developed for the needs of Australian drivers.
“With thanks to the NHVR and the HVSI, we can now work to produce vehicles, environment assets, training scenarios and associated hardware to include various heavy vehicle types.”
“In the virtual environment, training scenarios can be tailored to improve safety outcomes across the board for all road users.”
NHVR executive director corporate affairs Michelle Tayler said MOTUM was one of 16 organisations to receive funding as part of a $3.9 million investment in safety projects.
“We look forward to seeing the MOTUM World project come to life to boost heavy vehicle safety standards and practices,” Ms Tayler said.