REAL-WORLD BOOM LIFT EXPERIENCE IN A
SAFE AND VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT
J
LG Industries has supplied the world’s
fi rst JLG AccessReady XR virtual reality
(VR) simulator to UAE-based Access
Hire Middle East, which has installed the
simulator at the company’s training centre in
Dubai and incorporated it into their operator
training programme.
Developed in partnership with US-based
3D and visualization software company
ForgeFX Simulations, the JLG AccessReady
XR simulator package includes a 4-foot JLG
800S platform with controls and footswitch;
HTC Vive VR headset with headphones and
Leap Motion camera; HTC Vive sensors and
tracker; VR-ready PC pre-loaded with JLG Ac-
cessReady XR software; keyboard with touch-
pad and monitor for PC; portable cabinet
for housing the PC and VR components; and
system setup and operating instructions.
The JLG AccessReady XR simulator pro-
vides VR-based training for operators of all
skill levels, ranging from controls familiar-
ization to machine operation and advanced
spatial awareness challenges. This type of
immersive training optimizes the learning
experience while preparing operators to
effi ciently use the controls and familiarize
themselves with boom lift operation.
Other key features of the JLG AccessReady
XR operator training programme include
real-world controls; ‘virtual hands,’ a feature
unique to JLG simulators; networked multi-
user mode; multiple training environments
including proving grounds and construction
sites; selectable virtual avatars for multi-user
scenarios; instructor-led mode and tools to
create unique password-protected scenarios
and customized performance metrics. The
networked multi-user mode with VoIP sup-
port provides real-time voice communication
between people who may not be in the same
room, state or even country.
According to JLG, boom lift equipment
operators who train on AccessReady XR
simulator benefi t from increased hands-on
controls training for reduced time to profi -
ciency; improved quality of practice time,
allowing operators to experience real-life
applications more quickly; reduced trainee
The JLG AccessReady XR simulator provides VR-based training for operators of all skill levels,
ranging from controls familiarization to machine operation and advanced spatial awareness
challenges
idle time to increase practice while evalua-
tions are performed; reduced evaluation time,
since knowledge of the controls occurs faster;
and real-time feedback to accelerate training
knowledge.
Ian Hume, sales director-Middle East,
India and Africa, JLG Industries & Oshkosh
Arabia, says: “Operator training is aff ected by
factors such as availability of machines and
trainers and weather conditions. We wantto eliminate these hurdles and promote the
idea that companies do not need to own a ma-
chine to off er operator training and that VR
technology can help train boom lift operators
faster and more eff ectively, which will signifi -
cantly improve their skills as well as improve
safety and job site performance.”
“Trainees, especially those who’ve never
been on an aerial work platform or oper-
ated a JLG machine, will get a true feeling
of the control panel of a JLG boom lift and
handling of the machine in real-world jobsite
scenarios. Operators now have the fl exibil-
ity to practice daily until they are ready for
formal evaluations. More practice in a virtual
environment that provides a true feeling
of working at height will provide trainees
with the confi dence to step faster into actual
machines. We anticipate a strong demand
for this simulator from rental companies and
independent training centres in the Middle
East, India and Africa,” adds Hume.The JLG AccessReady XR simulator.http://www.pmvmiddleeast.com AUGUST 2019 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLES
TRAINING 19