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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
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
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
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