TATA STEEL
Client: Tata Steel Port Talbot – VR Training Simulator
Heavy industry job sites can be aggressive and hazardous environments. These job sites change every day. And what was safe yesterday can be potentially very dangerous the next. Training can be a challenge in such environments. How does a company like Tata Steel train its workforce and avoid any danger? In a joint effort, the companies Controllab and BLUF implemented a Virtual Reality training program for crane operators with major benefits.
CHALLENGES
Training is one of the biggest challenges.
The North Charging Crane of the BOS plant at the Port Talbot steel works was installed in 1969 when the plant was built. In 2020 the crane will be completely replaced. This drastically changes the way drivers operate the crane and they will have to develop new driving techniques and habits.
“One of our biggest challenges when the crane is installed, will be training. Since this is a very aggressive and potentially dangerous environment full of hazards. We found that training on the real crane would have a lot of risk itself. Furthermore, we need to take a crane out of operation and that drastically decrease the amount of steel we can make. If we could train in an environment away from the operation and any hazards, doing the exact same job, we could take a lot of risk away for the production, our crane operators and plant personal as well.” Thomas Badger – Electrical Engineer Tata Steel
SOLUTION
Integration of authentic controls in Virtual Reality.
Controllab and BLUF found a solution for these challenges. Developing a highly realistic virtual-reality simulator for Tata Steel’s crane driver training program. With this VR simulator, no real risk ever arises for man or machine.
While a crane operator is operating the crane in Virtual Reality, the instructor uses a dashboard on his computer to apply, manage, and analyze training scenarios. He can follow the operators progress through different cameras and gain insights about their actions. This unique data and insights are saved to improve quality of the operator and overall training.
RESULT
Improved safety, building confidence and decreased total training time.
The main thing that we achieve within the training is muscle memory. Building confidence of the new controllers of the new crane. So, when operators face a problem, they react without thinking. What we want to get out of it is a seamless transition for operators on the new crane.
“The simulator is extremely realistic; for instance, even a ladle break out can be simulated at any time during the training. Torpedo trains with liquid steel are coming in and out of the plant, and even the converter can be controlled with extreme precision. With this Virtual Reality Training Tata Steel is going to cut out training time while production continues.” Wilco de Ruiter – Founder BLUF.