Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/712836
EquipmentWorld.com | August 2016 77 technology | staff report C rane Industry Services (CIS) has begun a study to determine how effective the integration of crane simulators is in its training program. The Atlanta-based company currently trains crane operators using a combination of online, classroom, hands-on and on-the-job training sessions. The study, performed through a partner- ship with Montreal-based CM Labs Simulations and West Georgia Technical College, introduces the use of a Vortex Rough Terrain Mobile Crane Training Module in conjunction with the current training methods and seeks to determine what skills operators attain with the use of simulators and whether or not simulators actually boost skill level. The Vortex training module is based on a 40-ton rough-terrain crane with a full boom extension of 102 feet and simulates multi-body dynamics and captures real behavior of cranes, rigging and loads. "While crane simulation tools are not new to the construction industry, there is little quantitative re- search that determines the value simulation offers as part of comprehensive training," says Debbie Dickin- son, CEO of Crane Industry Services. "We anticipate that the validated study will be used to set specific goals for skill development." CIS will run the study for the next 14 months, or until 500 operators have participated. The study will include inexperienced, moderately experienced and expert operators, and CIS is currently looking for vol- unteer operator participants. Crane study seeks to determine benefit of simulators in operator training