At Bendpro we take pride in tackling big concepts. So when an award-winning Australian product design firm asked us to help bring to life their designs for a virtual reality (VR) battle truck, we jumped on board. Take a look.
Our client had worked up some brilliant concepts for the machine, and when the opportunity arose to present at a major industry trade show they needed to develop a functional prototype very quickly.
With the core framework of the machine to be constructed from steel tubing, Bendpro was the ideal partner to help with that aspect of the manufacturing.
IDEA: A strong yet portable frame delivered fast
Working with the end user, our client had developed some very clear functional objectives for both the frame and overall product:
- The simulator needed to be portable and easy to set up with compact storage and easy transporting
- The frame required pre-fabricated sections that could be assembled just with a hex key
- It had to disassemble fast, flat-pack for shipping and fit through a standard doorway
- The frame had to be strong enough to house two people with strong vibrations (haptic feedback) built into the frame and seats to add realism to the simulations
- It needed to be modular and reconfigurable to simulate a wide range of vehicles
IDEAL: A modular, immersive and realistic VR training program
With the steel frames in place, the product designers worked their magic installing the all-important immersive virtual reality screens, intelligent technology and driver controls.
While using the same core frame and functionality, the dual-seat truck can be customised using physical configuration, movements and software to accurately simulate a range of environments, scenarios and vehicles – including military cars, battle trucks and combat boats.
The end result is a modular vehicle simulator with real-life motion that is used to train military personnel to deal effectively with scenarios they may find themselves in.
The VR battle simulator is an important training tool that saves time, reduces risk of injury and accelerates learning outcomes that prepare military personnel to safely deal with dangerous real-life situations.
SPECS: From design workshop to precision bending
Combining technical expertise and consulting with state-of-the-art machinery and processes, Bendpro delivered the steel frames that housed the in-built simulator technology.
- CNC accurate mandrel bending, trimming and notching to precise tolerances
- Initial design workshop with the team to scope and define the project
- Onsite consultation by our staff during the development phase
- Manufactured with electric resistance welded (ERW) mild steel tube Ø50.8×1.6
