Australia is at the forefront of driver safety software thanks to several new programs.
Creating a supportive environment for drivers to learn how to adapt to a variety of road conditions and environmental factors, these software programs will revolutionise driver safety in Australia.
The Motum World system © MOTUM Simulation
Top of the class
MOTUM World is a comprehensive simulation software designed to help new drivers adapt to complex driving scenarios, with a particular focus on local conditions and road rules.
MOTUM was produced entirely in Melbourne by the team responsible for MOTUM Simulation, with the aim of creating a fully adaptable program for different environments, scenarios and assets.
In order to suit a variety of drivers, the system allows the creation of unique environments with virtually any road surface or terrain including cities, suburban roads, freeways, country drives, ports and more.
Different scenarios can also be incorporated into the program in order to simulate a real-world driving experience. Instructors can test driver responsiveness, awareness, and defensive skills under a variety of conditions to ensure the driver is fully prepared for life on the road.
Vehicles, surrounding buildings, structures and landscapes can all be simulated, as well as processes such as roads around loading docks and emergency service bases.
“We completed a worldwide search looking for software tiles – we tried a number of them, and none had the fidelity, adaptability, flexibility and scalability that could match the quality of our hardware offering,” said MOTUM Simulation Managing Director, Steve Hoinville.
“A particular focus of the program is to make it as adaptable as possible for any driver education requirement.”
“For instance, it can be used in heavy vehicles, Ubers, taxis, material handling and forklifts, port services, rail, and beyond – we have the functionality to expand into any training regime for any industry.”
MOTUM can be set to automatic or manual gear shift, and includes elements such as hand brakes, indicators and headlights. Operation is possible with a VR headset, on screen, or through a combination of both.
“Our aim is to develop skills and behaviours in the virtual environment that transfer directly to the real world, which is a true breakthrough for the driver training and education industry,” said Steve.
A driving scenario being performed in a simulation © MOTUM Simulations
Road ready
Down south, the University of Tasmania is helping communities to access driving simulation software from the Tech Solutions Hub in Burnie.
The simulator uses technology from myDRIVESCHOOL©, which has been designed and developed in Australia and is one of the only simulators that places drivers on the right-hand side of the car.
Assistant Technical Manager at the Tech Solutions Hub, Nathan Bakkar, says learning to drive using the simulation is a safe and supportive way to gain real-world skills before getting behind the wheel.
“Our simulator can reduce stress and build confidence by teaching students to drive online before or in combination with their on-road lessons.”
“With most driving simulators and software developed overseas, there are very few that are tailor-made for right-hand drivers and even fewer for Australian conditions.”
“That’s why, through the ingenuity of the Tech Solutions Hub and software developed by Australians for Australian conditions, we were able to create a simulator experience that works for our communities.”
One study found that students who used simulation software were 48 percent more competent as drivers and 17 percent less anxious on the road.
The simulator has been designed to be portable for easy transportation to different regional communities.
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Featured image: MOTUM World being used for driving simulations © MOTUM Simulation