International Mining Magazine's In Depth Look at the Mining Equipment Simulator Market

If you're interested in learning all about the training simulator market for the mining equipment industry, look no further than the June 2013 edition of International Mining Magazine, and the article by Paul Moore titled, "As Real As It Gets" (free subscription required). The article is an extensive study of the mining equipment simulator market, and includes insightful interviews with executives at a number of leading simulator development companies that are producing mining equipment training simulators. In the interest of full disclosure I should mention that my company, ForgeFX and the work we've done for P&H Mining and Joy Global, is one of the companies featured in the article.

International Mining Magazine, As Real As It Gets. A ForgeFX developed P&H ProMiner 4100XPC training simulator.
 

Original Equipment Manufacturers

The article explores both the surface and underground mining simulator markets, and looks at how Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) work with simulator developers to produce virtual versions of their real-world equipment. The article includes a review of the leading OEMs, the different simulator packages that they offer to their customers, and an overview of some of the issues the industry is facing. The OEMs discussed in the article include:

• P&H Mining
• Caterpillar
• Komatsu
• Hitachi
• Liebherr
• Sandvik

As the mining industry is currently experiencing some budget tightening, OEMs are increasingly providing simulation-based training products to satisfy the needs of their customers. Training simulators provide a valuable asset to mine sites, allowing them to train and refine the skills of operators without taking real-world machinery out of production.

Training Simulator Developers

As mining equipment becomes more complex, and the capabilities of virtual training simulators increase, OEMs will typically hire a training simulator development company that specializes in simulation development to produce their products. Training simulator development companies are experts at mirroring real-world equipment in virtual space, allowing for a high level of accuracy and realism to be achieved in training. With an acknowledgement of the heightened focus on reducing costs and increasing productivity in the mining industry, companies like Immersive have developed simulator sessions that are aimed at spotting, quantifying, and tracking fuel inefficient behaviors. When interviewed for the article about the subject, here's what Immersive CEO Peter Salfinger said:

"We took similar steps to assist the industry during a time of severe tire shortages. Our customers now commonly report increases in truck tire life of over 10% following the implementation of our tire preservation technology into their training programs."

My company ForgeFX has been working with Joy Global and P&H Mining for a number of years developing training simulator products. When interviewed for the article about the P&H 4100XPC electric rope shovel training simulator that we built for them, here's what I said:

"This electric rope shovel training simulator improves operator efficiency, reduces training costs and associated equipment damage, and increases revenue by maximizing operator efficiency. If you are charged with heavy equipment training, you need your operators to become familiar with the controls and learn proper machine operation quickly. ForgeFX’s custom virtual training simulators deliver hands-on learning experiences and simulated practice sessions, teaching the skills required to operate heavy equipment quickly and safely, increasing mine site productivity."

Looking at different aspects of mining and training, the article features a number of training simulator developers, and highlights the work they do for different OEMs. These training simulator developers include:

• ForgeFX
• GlobalSim
• Immersive
• Simformotion
• ThoroughTec
• 5DT

As the global mining industry expands, and the demand for rare earth minerals increases as a result of new technology, it is expected that the demand for mining equipment-specific simulators will be increase as well. A considerable amount of the growth is expected in the top 5 emerging nations, which are Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa.

Emerging Simulator Markets

According to a recent MarketLine report titled, "Metals & Mining - Top 5 Emerging Industries Market Overview", among the top 5 emerging nations within the mining and metals industry, China is the leading revenue producing country, with market revenues of $1,411.4 billion in 2011. China is expected to lead the mining and metals industry, among the top 5 emerging nations, with a value of $2,632.1 billion in 2016, followed by India and Brazil with expected values of $255.8 and $86.9 billion, respectively.

Paul Moore's article predicts, and I think correctly so, that as these Asian companies gain more market share, the demand for corresponding simulation-based training products will increase as well. The article mentions a number of Chinese OEM's that simulator opportunities are predicted for, including:

• SANY
• NHL
• XEMC
• LiuGong

It's no surprise that equipment manufacturers develop training simulators for their products, but learning how they go about getting these simulators built is valuable information for anyone interested in the field. Once again I may be biased, since we're one of the companies mentioned in the article, however articles like this, that examine specific industries and how they utilize training simulators can be an invaluable resource.

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New Virtual Robotic Surgery Simulator Courses

Need to brush up on your robotic surgery skills? Then head on down to the Florida Hospital Nicholson Center in Orlando, Florida where MimicMed is offering their 1-Day Simulation-Based Robotic Surgical Training Courses. The course aims to help surgeons improve their skills at robotic surgery for the following procedures:

• Suturing
• Dissection
• Needle Control
• Endowrist Manipulation
• Camera Navigation and Instrument Cleaning

Robotic Surgery Simulation Courses Online Registration

Using virtual reality surgical training systems, Mimic offers surgeons an opportunity to safely enhance their robotic surgical skills. They even offer online registration. Just select your profile, from Surgeon to Resident to Fellow, then choose your surgical specialty, from General Surgery to Gynecology to Urology and you're on your way to the Mimic Medical Education and Development Center.



Mimic Robotic Surgery Training Simulator Courses

Training Simulators Increase Incentives & Enhance Skills

As simulation-based training becomes more affordable, medical institutions are choosing virtual reality-based training simulators over cadaver or frozen tissue-based training. In addition to the significant cost savings offered by virtual training simulators, there are a number of other opportunities they offer. MimicMed's surgery training simulator includes a head-to-head mode that allows surgeons to compete with each other to see who the 'Robotic Surgical Master' is. Combing the thrill of victory, the anxiety of losing and the necessity to master the controls, video game-like competition increases a surgeon's desire to win, and ultimately become more skilled at their craft.

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Flight Simulator Experience

British Airways is now offering the Flight Simulator Experience to the public. Billed as the "thrill of a lifetime", people can purchase 1-3 hours on a Boeing flight simulator, capable of simulating a number of Boeing aircraft, including a 747 and 777. Operators are given a 30 minute pre-flight briefing on the aircraft instruments and flight controls, and then given the liberty to complete everything from takeoff to landing.

British Airways Flight Simulator Experience

British Airways maintains a flight training facility in Cranebank, a short distance from Heathrow Airport in London. Prices range from about $600 for a one hour session on a 737, to $2,000 for a three hour experience piloting a 777. Customers can bring one additional person with them as a guest to share the experience, and of course gift certificates are available.

As a simulator developer, having direct access best in class simulators like this is invaluable. Companies that share knowledge and lessons learned in the development of their products become leaders in their industries by allowing others to learn from them, and look to them as market leaders and industry experts. Regardless if you're a pilot, simulator developer, or just someone looking for a great gift  - the Flight Simulator Experience is a unique opportunity for anyone to take the controls of a simulator once reserved only for commercial pilot training.

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