RMIT University has officially announced they have acquired a new 360 simulator, the first university in Victoria and just the second in Australia, following the University of Sydney in September 2023. It seems the sim has been a work in progress for a while, with it first spied 10 months ago [reddit].
The Eight360 NOVA Simulator is a sphere that is 2m wide, operated by a single person in a VR headset. Like many sims, it aims to trick the brain that you are in the environment in front of your eyes. The sim has a unique ability to quickly rotate in any direction (even completely upside down), which combines with the audio-visual experience of a VR headset.
The simulator will allow RMIT researchers to conduct more detailed scenario testing and investigation around pilot performance and open up a range of new possibilities for aviation research that drives innovation and improved safety and performance.
With its unique 360 motion replication capability, it goes a step beyond other simulators to provide a much closer simulation of ‘real life’. It also captures biometric data, such as eye-tracking that can be used in conjunction with flight data from RMIT’s physical fleet to conduct deeper research and analysis.
While aviation, aerospace and the ‘virtual vehicle’ are the obvious applications, the Director of the STEM Centre for Digital Innovation, Professor James Harland, says the RMIT team is looking forward to finding new and exciting ways of using the simulator.
“It’s all about experimentation. This is cutting-edge stuff. We’re experimenting with immersive experiences and seeing where the less obvious applications take us.
Director of the STEM Centre for Digital Innovation, Professor James Harland
For example, we’ve just started looking at whether research into meditation could be enhanced by the simulator. Or, for teaching, could student learning be enhanced by a truly immersive tour of the throat and stomach to learn about digestion and nutrition?
What happens if we use the simulator with other technology, such as motion capture suits and large video displays.
The simulator can be tailored to different research and training applications created by staff and students.
Deputy Director of the STEM Centre for Digital Innovation, Professor Michelle Spencer, was one of the first to give the simulator a whirl. She explains that it will allow students to learn new technologies and think creatively.
The NOVA provides a more immersive and realistic user experience.
Deputy Director of the STEM Centre for Digital Innovation, Professor Michelle Spencer
I tried out the virtual vehicle app, developed within the Centre, and the chair tilts when you drive up an embankment, for example, making it feel more like you are driving a car.
Digital Solutions Architect, Dr Ian Peake, has been integral to setting up the Eight360 NOVA Simulator, which is housed in RMIT’s Virtual Experiences Lab.
It has been a lot of fun to work with a large and diverse team to start creating experiences that will open doors for future RMIT students.
Digital Solutions Architect, Dr Ian Peake
We have a great team of technical experts at Eight360, RMIT teachers, computing technology project students and lab staff who have – and will continue to – create incredible experiences with this new technology.
Eight360 is a company out of Wellington, New Zealand. Here’s a quick video fo the Eight360 NOVA in action with the sim being used for sim racing.
