UP subsidiary PS Technology adds 3-D simulation training program
Written by jrood
PS Technology (PST), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Union Pacific Corporation, has added a 3-D simulation-training program to its capabilities. The program produces realistic 3-D simulation training solutions for a variety of industries including railroad, construction, mining and shipping. For example, railroad-specific simulations for conductors, locomotive engineers and remote-control locomotive operators are used in certification training to enhance railroad safety and improve operating efficiency. Implementing this program accelerates and expands employee-training opportunities previously constrained by equipment availability and travel.
"These
work-related simulations enable trainees to become more proficient, confident
and safe in their tasks before setting foot in actual work settings," said
Ashok Fichadia, PST president. "The simulation technology delivers effective
training without taking an expensive asset such as a locomotive or crane out of
service for training purposes. It also eliminates the need to travel to offsite
training venues."
PST added the
simulation training capability by acquiring the TrainMaster division of PI
Engineering. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The training
program’s unique strength is the combination of its powerful physics engine,
which allows for extremely realistic simulated movements by people and objects,
and superior graphics-rendering technology that results in life-like
performance in simulation environments.
Since 2005,
Union Pacific and BNSF Railway have used the TrainMaster solutions now part of
PST. A recently developed simulation-training program involving performance rides
for remote control operators is under review by the Federal Railroad
Administration.
