Munich public transport operator MVG selected CORYS to help modernise its tramway driver training. With CORYS’ solution, MVG will eliminate the problems inherent to relying solely on real tramways for greater training availability, flexibility, safety, and effectiveness. CORYS has been pioneering a photorealistic simulation technology since last year to address the first tramway simulator project built on the powerful Unreal Engine.
MVG was already familiar with the benefits of simulation, which it had been using to train its metro drivers. For its tramway drivers, however, MVG had been combining traditional classroom learning with training on real tramways.
CORYS was able to respond with a particularly comprehensive range of features backed by a German-speaking team. The project will be developed and implemented over eighteen monthswith operational rollout planned for 2025.
CORYS’ solution:
- 2 1:1 desk simulators with OEM consoles and a movement system
- 41 km of photorealistic simulated lines
- 2 instructor stations with mobile tablet and touch interface
- 3 observer stations
- Integrated eye-tracking cameras
- Multiple-choice quiz creation
- Open World map-based line navigation
An immersive experience for learners
The more realistic the simulated environment is, the more effective the training. For MVG, CORYS recommended a combination of features to create an immersive experience.
The most spectacular element is photorealistic simulation of the 41-kilometre tramway network made possible by Unreal Engine. Originally developed for gaming, Unreal Engine enables ultra-high-fidelity surfaces, textures, lighting, weather, and traffic and intersection management.
CORYS will use urban geodata of the city of Munich and state-of-the-art 5 cm GSD resolution aerial nadir and oblique images as the basis for creating the simulated lines replicating the real-world tramway environment.
In terms of the physical simulators, the 1:1 desk consoles will be built with the OEM components, which CORYS will source from Siemens, giving tramway drivers experience with the real-world controls from the safety of the training room.
Panoramic 180-degree displays will further enhance the immersive feel.
Enriched teaching capabilities for instructors
Instructors will also reap the benefits of CORYS’ simulators. The instructor station will be augmented with a mobile tablet, allowing instructors to move around the training room and interact personally with trainees during sessions. Integrated eye-tracking allows the instructor to see where the student is looking during an exercise – information that can be recorded and replayed when debriefing.
Map-based navigation allows the instructor to change lines quickly and easily on the fly and allows trainees to experience real-world situations like having to switch lines unexpectedly during service due to a safety or technical incident. Finally, flexible multiple-choice-quiz creation allows instructors to quickly and easily customise quizzes to evaluate learning.
CORYS’ winning combination of high-fidelity computer-generated images and OEM equipment, backed by technology designed to enhance teaching and learning, will help make driver training more attractive at MVG while eliminating the limitations of relying on real-world tramways.
