German firms Rheinmetall and Hologate have entered into a significant partnership to develop advanced simulation training platforms that leverage Extended Reality (XR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. The collaboration aims to create simulation systems that closely replicate real-world conditions across various domains by integrating XR, VR, and artificial intelligence (AI) with trainer-controlled solutions.
Hanno Tabeling, the Head of System Technology for Driving Simulation at Rheinmetall, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing that “with Hologate’s state-of-the-art software, we will be able to offer our customers even more realistic and flexible training options.” He highlighted that the first concrete outcome of their joint efforts is the development of a VR driving simulator specifically designed for training military drivers.
Hologate has a proven track record of creating technologies tailored for the German armed forces and police training programs. The company’s HGXR SIM mobile XR motion simulator features an innovative open system architecture, which enables users to effortlessly switch between different vehicle models at the press of a button. This versatility allows for the simulation of complex operational contexts for a multitude of vehicles, including helicopters, trucks, and boats.
The HGXR SIM is designed for an immersive experience, boasting a range of motion capabilities that include 1 meter (3 feet) of vertical lift and full-axis rotation, along with a maximum tilt of 30 degrees. Hologate’s offerings extend to other advanced systems, such as its High-End Stationary Systems, which focus on delivering hyper-realistic scenarios through the integration of cutting-edge full-body tracking, haptic feedback, and the realistic reproduction of physical effects like wind, heat, and scent.
These XR platforms have diverse applications, supporting training regimes for pilots, enhancing driver safety in logistics and transportation, and facilitating tactics and combat simulations, as well as team coordination exercises and mission planning. The use of simulation solutions provides a risk-free environment for trainees, allowing them to perform tasks, make critical decisions, and receive immediate feedback without the dangers associated with real-world scenarios. Moreover, these training sequences can be repeated as often as necessary, enabling users to consolidate their knowledge and refine their skills effectively.
