Virtual demolition - a new training tool

The NFDC unveiled its latest step in the training arena when its high reach excavator simulator took pride of place in the pavilion at the joint IDE/NFDC Demolition Exhibition held at the Arden Brickworks site belonging to Armac. According to chief executive Howard Button, while the primary role of the system is to develop basic understanding of using such machines without the costs and risks incurred from letting novices loose with ‘the real thing’, he also believes the system should help encourage young people to look at the demolition industry as a career in a more favourable light.

Developed in conjunction with Volvo and software provider Oryx, the simulator provides a suite of simulation software that will allow familiarisation exercises across a wide range of excavator operations for total novices through to operators experienced in general duties with no high reach experience. The current plan is for one unit to be permanently based at the NFDC’s Hemel Hempstead HQ, with a second unit being used as a mobile unit. The simulator will also be available for sale to parties interested in adding it to their training capabilities.

At least one simulator unit will be on display in the exhibition area at the forthcoming World Demolition Summit in the Krasnapolski Hotel in Amsterdam on October 31 2013 and two of the NFDC’s full-time trainers will be on hand to demonstrate the system and guide those wishing to try their hand at a bit of virtual demolition on the day.