One thing that I’ve been concerned about since the coronavirus pandemic started is how it will affect training. With social distancing guidelines, the reduction of in-person meetings, and other challenges, it’s easy to just push training down the line and get back to it when it’s more convenient. Heavy equipment operators have had access to remote training through computerized simulators for years, but one training solution just created a platform that’s even more remote.
Cat Simulators, a heavy equipment simulator training solution and a licensee of Caterpillar Inc., has recently announced the release of a portable simulator training module that can either be used in a social distanced classroom or at-home. It includes desk-mounted joysticks, the same that you would find in a CAT Excavator, and pedal controls.
The simulator is coupled with a training software that requires students to learn specific tasks, like walkaround inspections, loading, raking, maneuvering in tight spaces, and trenching.
While their original simulators sit on a large arcade-like module, which moves the chair around based upon the terrain and task to recreate real-world feel, the Cat SimLite will only employ a desk chair to increase the portability.
The purpose of classroom simulation training is to be able to make training much more consistent and standardize the curriculum for your new employees. Every jobsite and human trainer is different, so if employers know exactly what their employees have been trained on, it’s much easier to manage expectations and deliver more consistent results.
“We’ve heard from schools, training centers and businesses—they have to keep training, despite the pandemic. So that meant engineering a design compact enough that it could travel easily in pelican cases; or be set up in classrooms at a safe distance,” says Simformotion CEO Lara Aaron. “All of the things people love about Cat Simulators is packed into SimLite, including OEM controls and our exclusive reporting program, SimU Campus.”
More info: Cat Simulators Offers New Compact, Portable Training with SimLite Excavator | Cat Simulators
Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.