These PC-based Virtual Reality Simulations for the tEODor, telemax and PackBot EOD robotic vehicles (also called manipulator) were developed for the Bundeswehr bomb squad. They use these vehicles to explore and dispose of dangerous objects such as explosive ordnance.

To safely train operators in the handling of these vehicles, realistically reproduced 3D models are staged in a virtual test environment, i.e. in an aircraft or in a building.

The program is controlled using the original operating equipment connected to the PC. The simulation includes all vehicle functions, i.e. driving, arm rotation, grasping function, camera and lighting.

Client: Bundeswehr

The identification of underwater mines is usually carried out by mine clearance divers. This work demands a great deal of safety in the approach.

To school the German Navy mine clearance divers, we have developed a training scenario where the mine divers are given the task to recognise and identify mines in a virtual underwater world.

The underwater conditions such as visibility, ground conditions or vegetation as well as the type, number and condition of the mines are all individually configurable.

In this way, the users are confronted with a wide variety of conditions as they would be in the real world and, as a result, they get the best possible training.

Client: Bundeswehr

The system installed at the Bundeswehr for the training of pioneers using networked PC workstations is known under the name "CoCBT" (Co-operative Computer Based Training).

The users interact in a virtual world. Their task is to couple together realistic 3D model simulations of amphibious vehicles, boats and floating bridge elements in a waterway to form ferries or bridges.

Features of training systems are:

• Variable training scenario configuration options
  (i.e. current speed, visibility, wind velocity)
• The trainer is able to monitor the exercise
• Recording of the exercise for subsequent debriefing
• Data gloves and tracking system for transmission of hand signals of the ferry commander in the virtual world in real time

The project has been awarded the Corporate Media Award 2005.

Client: Bundeswehr

This Virtual Reality Simulation was developed to school manual assembly processes in industrial production.

The entire workplace is transferred into the virtual world. This includes materials such as tools, housings or screws to be utilised. The user then interacts by assembling the virtual components.

The duration times for the real work stages are recorded in a database so that the duration of the virtual task is very close to the real one.

The system works with highly detailed 3D objects with photorealistic textures and can be flexibly adjusted to a wide variety of manufactured objects and environments

Cooperation partner: Zollner Elektronik AG

Special forces use underwater Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for survey and operations under water. These ROVs are connected to the remote control on the mother ship via a supply cable.

For ROV operators, we developed a virtual reality application. As in reality, one display shows the camera view and the second one displays the sonar screen. Training sessions can be configured via the “Control Center”.

Parameters are: scenario selection (ship wreck, airplane wreck, pipeline and sea cavern), view under water, current, type of gripper arm, sonar installed or not and malfunctions that can occur.

The high-end visualisation, the realistic physical behaviour of the ROV including the gripper functionality and the sonar display with depth information displayed in colour constitute the highlights of the program.

Client: Mark Wölk, Cologne

Water tank containers (WTCs) with water treatment facilities are used for water purification. When raw water and sufficient fuel for the electricity generator is available, these systems can be operated self-sustainingly over long time periods. The systems are in use world-wide.

A Web Based Training (WBT) and a virtual reality simulation on WTC operation were developed for the WTC operators. Furthermore, one chapter of the learning software explains how to fix potential malfunctions.

After working through the learning program, the trainees apply their new knowledge in the virtual environment, where they interactively take the WTC into operation. In an additional virtual reality application, the users can interactively select and order spare parts directly from the virtual WTC 3D model.

Client: Westerwälder Eisenwerk GmbH