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The University of Tasmania is playing a pivotal role in supporting communities along the Northwest Coast by introducing an innovative driving simulator hosted at the Tech Solutions Hub in Burnie. This driving simulator leverages software entirely conceived and developed in Australia, offering Tasmanians access to virtual driving training in one of the few right-hand drive simulators available in the country.
Nathan Bakkar, the Assistant Technical Manager at the Tech Solutions Hub, highlighted the stress often associated with learning to drive and underscored how this simulator can serve as a valuable resource for Tasmanians seeking extra support before venturing onto the roads with an actual vehicle. Bakkar noted that this simulator has the potential to alleviate stress and boost confidence by providing students with the opportunity to learn to drive online either independently or in conjunction with their traditional on-road lessons.
He also emphasised the scarcity of driving simulators and software explicitly tailored for right-hand drive and Australian conditions. In addressing this gap, the Tech Solutions Hub, in collaboration with locally developed Australian software, has succeeded in fashioning a simulator experience tailored to the unique needs of Australian communities.
The CEO and Founder of the simulation software’s developer highlighted the pressing need to enhance driver training nationwide. Australia has been grappling with alarming crash rates, with a significant proportion of road fatalities attributed to driver errors. Skaife firmly believes that technology can play a pivotal role in reducing road trauma, particularly among the emerging generation of “digital natives.” Virtual driver training, she asserts, is a safe, engaging, and effective approach, with statistics indicating that students who engage in this method are 48% more competent and 17% less anxious.
The University’s driving simulator was developed in direct response to the unique needs of the Northwest Coast communities and is intended for a diverse audience. Its primary beneficiaries encompass teenagers and adults in the process of learning to drive, individuals dealing with anxiety or nervousness related to driving, international drivers adjusting to Australian conditions, and those wishing to master the art of manual transmission.
Nathan Bakkar also noted that outreach efforts are underway to assist local clinics, which frequently employ doctors from overseas. These medical professionals may require additional support in adapting to the nuances of Australian driving conditions. Moreover, the University plans to encourage its international student population to use the simulator to familiarise themselves with Australian driving conditions in a secure environment prior to embarking on actual road experiences.
Notably, the simulator’s design includes portability features, making it adaptable to different locations based on the specific needs of various communities. Interested individuals can access the simulator by appointment at the University of Tasmania study hubs, accommodating both individual and group bookings.
In Burnie, the simulator is available through appointment scheduling at the Tech Solutions Hub and participating driving schools and instructors. There is a nominal fee associated with simulator usage, which covers the cost of the licensed software and maintenance.
The University of Tasmania’s Tech Solutions Hub has a core mission centred around harnessing technology to enhance the quality of life and simplify daily challenges. Their innovative approach seeks to develop practical and inventive solutions to address a wide array of everyday problems, with the driving simulator being a prime example of this commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of local communities.
OpenGov Asia reported earlier that the New Zealand Defence Forces is utilising an advanced weapons simulator. This state-of-the-art simulator is designed to elevate the proficiency of naval personnel, empowering them to further bolster marine defence capabilities.
The simulator system, which can be transported between bases, involves personnel firing at a computer screen using MARS-L rifles equipped with lower-power lasers. The screen can project a standard target, with reductions in size to simulate a real mark at greater distances, up to 800 metres. The simulator can also run scenarios involving multiple targets and hazards in an evolving situation.
