A significant new project to enhance Australia’s sovereign capability in mobility technologies will see the formation of a Next Generation Motion Simulator Platform Facility at Deakin University in Victoria.
Supported by the Victorian State Government and opening in late 2021, the platform provides advanced, academic-led, research and innovation support for both driver-based and autonomous mobility technologies.
After a decade of supplying driving simulator technologies to some of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, this project marks the first time Ansible Motion’s driver-in-the-loop simulators have been chosen by a university.
Deakin’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI) has a proven track record of developing strategic partnerships (currently over 500) with business, industry and government agencies around the world.
By deploying and operating the latest Ansible Motion Delta S3 dynamic driving simulator, Deakin will provide the first dedicated motion simulation research infrastructure for industry and academia in mobility technologies in Australia.
It will be ideally suited to vehicle design and testing, driver training, and automotive vehicle research and development (R&D), which will ultimately enhance Australia’s sovereign capability in the industry and lead to the creation of new jobs and internship opportunities.
In addition, Ansible Motion and Deakin University have agreed to collaborate with the intention of creating new IP around future motion technologies. Existing Deakin partners including Ford, the Australian Defence Force and smaller technology providers are expected to use the facilities to expand their own skills in simulation, generate IP and develop next generation prototypes.
Professor Saeid Nahavandi, director of IISRI and pro-vice-chancellor of Deakin University, said: “Deakin researchers are excited to have the opportunity to work with experts from Ansible Motion in using the Delta S3 Simulator for research in motion simulation and related areas”.
“It is envisaged that Deakin and Ansible Motion will spearhead the use of ‘state of the art’ simulator technologies for advancing the automotive industry and the general mobility sector in Australia through this partnership”.
Kia Cammaerts, Ansible Motion’s technical director, said: “The partnership with Deakin University marks not only our first supply to academia for our simulators but also the first in Australia. This will propel the region’s capabilities in developing future vehicle technologies and we’ll be able to further develop cutting-edge simulation technologies by drawing upon the talent that Deakin attracts.”