Collaboration to boost virtual training technology

Deakin University’s Centre for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR) will collaborate with US-based systems integration company General Dynamics Information Technology to help improve its advanced robotics and simulation capabilities.

The collaborative framework is centred on future research and development collaborations that will take advantage of CISR's expertise in haptic (force feedback) technology and General Dynamics IT’s specialty in rapid graphical training environments, providing capacity for rapid immersive training scenarios in the Defence, Healthcare and Commercial sectors.

Deakin's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Lee Astheimer, and General Dynamics IT's Senior Vice President of the Defence Solutions Division, Al Whitmore, signed the collaborative framework agreement at a ceremony in Fairfax, Virginia.

“From Deakin’s perspective, General Dynamics IT is a perfect fit for expanding our capabilities in advanced robotics and simulation into an international market,” said Professor Astheimer.

“We look forward to working with General Dynamics IT to engage new industries and communities where our research can have impact and make a difference.”

A preliminary project resulting from collaboration between Deakin and General Dynamics IT is the haptically-enabled Hot Fire Trainer program that has been developed for the US and Australian Defence Departments, nuclear industry and fire fighters. The system enables trainees to experience realistic training scenarios in a safe synthetic environment. It is expected to be in use within the next six months.

"The Hot Fire Trainer can accurately present heat, jet reaction and step-up forces, along with sound and visuals, to immerse a trainee in a real house, car, boat or aircraft fire,” said Professor Saeid Nahavandi, Director of CISR.

About Deakin University’s Centre for Intelligent Systems Research

The Centre for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR) at Deakin University investigates and develops state-of-the-art algorithms and methodologies that provide practical solutions to real world problems that are encountered by systems operating with uncertainty, variability and change.

This practical approach is complemented by research on next generation robotic control systems and force emulation methodologies that improve process reliability, product quality and operator safety in complex environments. CISR is home to more than 60 researchers.