Motum World driver education tech launched

MELBOURNE-BASED Motum Simulation has developed comprehensive driver training technology it says will revolutionise the field, the system tailorable to a “multitude of driving scenarios” and with a “focus on local conditions and road rules”.

Dubbed Motum World, the platform offers versions encompassing learner drivers, emergency services, port services and mining industries, but may be adapted to create bespoke environments for what its makers say is “virtually any road surface or terrain”.

Further, different scenarios can be incorporated into the program to align with physical training and real-world events.

For trainers, a range of metrics can be recorded, including speed, throttle control, steering precision, braking technique, proximity to other vehicles and objects, and road rule infringements.

Instructors can tailor training scenarios to measure driver responsiveness, awareness, and defensive skills under a host of varying conditions.

“We completed a worldwide search looking for software titles – we tried a number of them, and (found) none had the fidelity, adaptability, flexibility, and scalability that could match the quality of our hardware offering,” explained Motum Simulation managing director Steve Hoinville.

“So, we have embarked on creating our own software title that is tailored specifically for Australian driving conditions.

“We are incredibly proud of our initial release, which has been with select partners for 18 months now, including Qube Ports, Alkane Resources, and emergency services providers, while we are now poised to launch into the broader driver education space, including pre-learner, L to P, and other learner programs, such as with the elderly or recovering drivers.”

Mr Hoinville said the system has the flexibility to scale-up, offering simulations that could extend to cover an area the size of Melbourne’s central business district, offering a solution that is far more comprehensive than those currently offered.

“A particular focus of the program is to make it as adaptable as possible for any driver education requirement,” he added.

“For instance, it can be used in heavy vehicles, Ubers, taxis, material handling and forklifts, port services, rail, and beyond. We have the functionality to expand into any training regime for any industry.

“With other existing driver training software titles, they tend to have small environments, very simple roads, or car park examples. But with Motum World, if a client wanted to create the whole of the Melbourne CBD, we have that ability in-house.

“Furthermore, Motum World can be developed for any international application with ease.”

With a focus on safety, Mr Hoinville said the technology aims to develop skills and behaviours in the virtual environment that can be transposed into the real world.

“Our aim is to develop skills and behaviours in the virtual environment that transfer directly to the real world, which is a true breakthrough for the driver training and education industry,” he added.

Motum World is available as a standalone software package or combined with a Motum Simulator.

The driver education simulator is fully adjustable to replicate the environment behind the ‘wheel of a modern passenger vehicle with road car controls such as automatic or manual gear shift, handbrake, indicators, headlights, and more.

Additionally, Motum World can be specified to operate with a virtual reality headset, on a screen, or a combination of both.

Further details on Motum World can be found here.