DRIVING SIMULATOR

THE INNOVATIVE, VERY ADVANCED DRIVING SIMULATOR

The development of new teaching methods, making training increasingly effective, has pushed TRAINing to invest in digital teaching, with the awareness that the correct use of new technologies can generate added value for both instructors and learners.

Collaboration with the Scottish company DENOVA led to the design and creation of SIMULAPro, an advanced example of virtual reality supporting teaching and learning.

In a virtual environment that faithfully reproduces existing stretches of track, SIMULAPro allows for practice relating to numerous breakdown procedures covered by train operating regulations

THE SOLUTION!

On 20 February 2023, with note 9104, ANSFISA issued a series of safety recommendations from the General Directorate for Rail and Maritime Investigation (DIGIFEMA), which include expanding the use of practice on driving simulators for conductors: ‘Railway undertakings should expand the use of driving simulator practice for conductors by implementing applications dedicated to reproducing breakdown operating conditions and the related applicable provisions, also involving other potentially relevant workers in such practice.’
For prompt compliance with this provision, the best solution is to adopt the advanced driving simulator SIMULAPro.

This system, designed to optimize training for developing, maintaining, and recovering the skills of driving personnel, is immediately available in the tablet version, which allows for the utmost flexibility.

The goal of SIMULAPro is not just to practice driving, since this is reserved for training, but to strengthen previously acquired knowledge with theoretical instruction, developing and testing the capacity to put it in practice (skills), with particular regard for breakdown situations. In this respect, SIMULAPro has a particularly rich library that will be expanded even further over time.

SIMULAPro responds fully to the ANSFISA recommendation, since it provides a series of brief simulations, each referring to a specific teaching objective reflecting a well-determined standard. And above all, for the first time in a simulation program, it contains the complete management of provisions applicable to the specific situation (M40 DL, M40 TELEC, etc.).

Practice is done on a faithful reproduction of a section of track specifically chosen because it represents the type of operating systems, traffic conditions, locations, and signals spread throughout
the national rail infrastructure.

With respect to the specific teaching objective of each session, the system may be used:

as teaching support with the option for the instructor to pause the simulation in order to further investigate, clarify, and develop the topic;
as a tool for testing the learner’s skills, with a related report to be filed with the certificates.

The software features broad design and operating flexibility that allows for:

timely updates in the event of regulatory developments;
enrichment of the basic libraries with further simulation sessions. This initial version contains 24 simulation sessions replicating individual standards applicable to local and remotely managed lines equipped with ACB, AEBS with fixed currents and AEBS with codified currents. New operating situations will soon be made available at no extra cost with particular respect to lines with ERTMS/ETCS.

The SIMULAPro software is embedded on a new-generation tablet with a large screen (Samsung S Ultra, 14.6”), supplied with a cover and support for upright use and a package of services (insurance,
computer assistance, training course, etc.).

The system is available exclusively to railway undertakings who pay an annual fee for one or more devices with reserved access for authorized company personnel (e.g. driving instructors), who will use
the devices exclusively for employee training activities (developing, maintaining, or recovering skills).