Reach-Stacker Simulator

The Reachstacker is a vehicle used for containers handling in small terminals or mid-sized ports. Reachstackers are able to transport a container short distances very quickly and stack them in various rows.

Reachstackers have gained significant ground in container handling in most markets due to their flexibility, high optimisation and its storage capacity compared to forklifts.

Characteristics of the simulator

The solution proposed by the Laboratory for Simulation and Modeling (LSyM) for Reachstacker driving simulation is based on high-quality simulation models, both physically and visually. The behaviour of these models include the most important aspects related to the handling of the vehicle, as well as a lot of realistic details.

The simulator developed by LSyM reproduces the usual interaction between the vehicle operator and other workers maneuvering in the port.

The equipment provided by LSyM includes the installation of microphones in the simulation cockpit and in the instructor station. This will allow learners to communicate with the instructor, who will be able to perform the functions of a controller.

Moreover, in order to provide more realism, the simulator will include static and moving virtual actors.

The simulator offers the option to include an AI module that allows the interactive animation of the characters in the work area. This will allow certain actors to give commands by signs or gestures, or to react to the learner's action.

Equipment:

• Cockpit located on a 6 degrees of freedom platform.
• Realistic control console.
• Real crane steering wheel.
• Accelerator and brake pedals.
• Instructor console with total control over the simulation.
• Real environment digital sound effects.
• Projection system with three high resolution screens (one frontal and two lateral screens).

Visualization system

• High quality images, generated in real time.
• 3D graphics.
• Picture textures from a real facility.
• External views displaying machine parameters.
• Stereoscopic mode.
• Heads-Up Display showing information about positions and machine parameters.

Special conditions

Weather events: wind, rain, fog, snow, etc.

Work in different time zones: sunrise, day, sunset, night.

Other conditions

Artificial light.

Realistic response to collisions.

Working with badly loaded containers.

Main features

• Real start-up and shutdown sequences.
• 20 and 40 feet spreaders.
• Loading and unloading trucks.
• Distribution of containers throughout the terminal.
• Simulated truck traffic in the work area.
• Full spreader mobility.
• Automatic gearbox.
• Machine response to the load.
• Collaborative mode.

Reports at the instructor's console

• Date.
• Starting and ending time.
• Time length.
• Finished exercises.
• Control handling log.
• Velocity log.
• Collision log.
• Dangerous maneuvers log.