19 February 2008
The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) will conduct a major upgrade to its most advanced driving simulator to make it one of the best in the world.
The upgrade will be carried out by Australian technology company Sydac and will include significant improvements to the simulator's technical capabilities, computer technology and driving simulation reality.
As part of the upgrade, GM Holden is donating a new Holden Commodore VE.
MUARC director Professor Rod McClure said the simulator, located at MUARC's Clayton headquarters, was already the biggest and most advanced in Australia and the upgrade would make it among the most sophisticated simulators in the world.
"When the simulator upgrade is completed later this year, we can start collecting more detailed data on the behaviour of Australian drivers than ever before," Professor McClure said.
"The upgrade will further support MUARC's reputation as the largest and most influential injury prevention centre in the Southern Hemisphere."
The simulator was developed in 1994 by Victoria's Transport Accident Commission and donated to MUARC in 1998. Over the past 14 years, simulator data has played a major role in road safety initiatives in key areas including young driver training programs, driver distraction, drugs and alcohol, in-vehicle design, and vision impairment studies.
Sydac chief executive officer Adrian Smith said: "We are delighted to have been selected for this key project for MUARC. Being chosen by one of the world's leading injury prevention centres further enhances Sydac's growing reputation as a world leader in delivering transport simulators."
Sydac was established in 1988. Its leading edge simulation and scientific modelling techniques are now used to provide training and operational simulators, decision support systems, and design and analysis tools across the transport, resources and defence sectors.
The simulator upgrade comes after MUARC last month acquired one of the world's most advanced portable driving simulators, the EF-X.
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