Hanwha Ocean Implements Special Vehicle Driving Training in Virtual Reality

World's First Development of VR-Based Transporter Simulator

Hanwha Ocean is accelerating the establishment of a smart shipyard.

On the 26th, Hanwha Ocean announced that it has developed the world's first 'VR-based Transporter Simulator,' which integrates virtual reality (VR) into special vehicle operation training, allowing users to practice transporter driving in a virtual environment.

A scene of transporter operation practice using the 'VR-based Transporter Simulator' at the Block Transport Team VR Training Center located at Hanwha Ocean Geoje Plant (Provided by Hanwha Ocean)

A transporter is a truck-type special vehicle designed to carry heavy loads and is essential equipment in shipyards where ship blocks weighing hundreds of tons must be moved. Operating a transporter is so challenging that signalmen must be positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle to guide its movement.

With a price reaching 2 billion KRW per unit, it has been difficult to equip sufficient training devices for transporters. Additionally, as large heavy equipment measuring 21 meters in length and 7.5 meters in width, securing space for training has also been challenging.

Using the 'VR-based Transporter Simulator' developed by Hanwha Ocean, driving practice is possible without the actual vehicle. A life-sized driver's cabin where users can wear VR equipment and board was created, and driving controls such as the steering wheel and gearshift were arranged identically to the real vehicle to enhance immersion. The simulator provides various scenarios to the driver, creating a realistic workspace and encouraging users to learn operation methods by responding to situations such as collisions with other structures.

In particular, it is expected that work safety, which is more important than anything else, will be greatly improved as workers can receive sufficient training without time and location constraints. Hanwha Ocean plans to start training using the simulator for active drivers from the second quarter.

Hanwha Ocean operates various training programs incorporating virtual reality technology. These include vocational training programs such as Real Blast for rust removal work and Real Spray for ship painting work, as well as 'VR Safety Training' to create a safe working environment. The company also provides shipowners with a 'VR Crew Training System' to enhance customer satisfaction.

A Hanwha Ocean official said, "By introducing virtual reality into transporter operation training, we have improved training efficiency and enhanced work safety," adding, "We will open the future of a safe smart shipyard through active adoption of information and communication technology (ICT)."