Leading mining equipment simulator provider, Immersive Technologies, announces the release of its next generation Advanced Equipment Simulators - the PRO3 for surface mining and the UG360 for underground mining.

Incorporating a series of new technologies to increase training effectiveness, the PRO3 and UG360 significantly raise the standard for mining equipment training simulators.

Designed to simulate surface mining equipment, and available in transportable and classroom versions, the PRO3 builds on the huge success of its predecessor the AES Series 2B which has become the global standard in the mining industry over the past 10 years with many hundreds of units now located across 29 countries. The new UG360 has been designed for the specific needs of the underground mining industry. It is the first of its kind to deliver the level of realism accuracy required for training.

Immersive Technologies funded a significant investment in research and development over a three-year period resulting in the PRO3 and UG360 simulators establishing new standards for the mining industry. Designed from the ground up, the key objectives for the PRO3 and UG360 were to maximize training effectiveness, simplify usability and extend reliability. Inspiration was drawn from many sources, including Immersive’s many years of experience with its large, global, customer base, feedback from its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) exclusive alliance partners, staff feedback and ideas from other industries.

Major technological advancements for the PRO3 surface mining simulator include a seamless 180 degree visual display system, together with a unique feature that dynamically adjusts the perspective of the operator, providing a true real-world view outside of the cabin whilst simultaneously increasing the operator’s level of depth perception.

The UG360 simulator includes a new 360 degree visual system designed specifically for the unique needs of underground mining. Both simulators are installed with new, highly responsive motion platforms that accurately simulate the movement of mining equipment. The level of simulation realism delivered by the PRO3 and UG360 has not previously been experienced by the mining industry. Also added are a series of advancements for transportation, increased ambient temperature operating range, occupant comfort and  simplified usability and serviceability.

"Our next generation simulators are a quantum leap forward for our customers and for the mining industry. I am pleased to say that the Immersive team has excelled itself  by delivering two exceptional training simulators. Immersive is focused squarely on increasing the operator safety and the profitability of our mining customers. The PRO3 and UG360 together with our integration and support services provide mines with unparalleled solutions that are capable of delivering outstanding results.” said Peter Salfinger, CEO, Immersive Technologies. 

Displayed for the first time last week at the AusIMM 7th Large Open Pit Mining Conference in Perth Western Australia, the PRO3 received substantial interest from new and existing Immersive Technologies’ customers. During this prestigious event, Paul Davis, Executive Global Business Development Manager for Immersive Technologies, presented delegates with a paper on Linking Operator Competency with Performance. This presentation highlighted the outstanding success in business improvement generated to date by the PRO3's predecessor the AES 2B.

"We are excited by the release of these remarkable new simulators and look forward to them achieving even greater success for our customers as they take their place in mines around the world. We encourage our customers to experience both new simulators first hand.” said Paul Davis.

Immersive Technologies has exclusive technical alliances with the leading OEM’s. These alliances provide Immersive with exclusive access to confidential, technical information that is required to properly simulate the OEM’s machines. The combination of these OEM supported Conversion Kits and the new PRO3 and UG360 simulators provide mines with genuine solutions to increase operator safety while increasing site profitability.

An important benefit of the PRO3 is its compatibility with 500+ existing Immersive Conversion Kits (interchangeable machine controls), custom lessons, scenarios and custom mine sites previously developed. This allows AES 2 and AES Series 2B customers to move up to a new PRO3 simulator and not have to replace their existing Conversion Kits and supporting systems.