In this issue

Vortex has partnered with PNI Training in Norway and Antycip Simulation to deliver a unique team-based training environment that promotes a safety-first approach to performing offshore heavy-lift operations. From initial toolbox-talk to simultaneous multi-player operations and after-action review, Vortex Crane Simulators offer a complete classroom-based solution for team training.

"After an extensive search for the right combination of simulation-based crane training expertise, team-based immersive learning and a proven track record for delivering on-time, we chose Vortex for our training solution," said Geir Gislason, Chairman, PNI Training Centre. "An essential aspect of our crane operations training is teamwork - training operators, slingers and banksmen simultaneously to prepare them for typical tasks and challenges in offshore operations. Vortex was the only provider we found that has this expertise, and together we have created an industry first for heavy-lift training operations. Our students will really benefit - the results will be more experienced and skilled crews, and safer operations."

Working in close partnership with PNI, the Vortex team combined its simulator expertise with PNI's training experience and Antycip Simulation's European-based technical support, creating an integrated and immersive training solution. The project features the creation of many in-depth training exercises for rig and supply ship lifts, internal lifts, subsea lifts on intervention ships and even tandem lifts with two simulated cranes. Training exercises involve the crane operator, banksman and slinger in a multi-player interactive virtual world.

For more information about Vortex simulators, Click here.

CMLabs and Makemedia recently partnered to develop a lunar vehicle simulator based on the NASA Lunar Electric Rover (LER). This small pressurized rover is about the size of a pickup truck (with 12 wheels) and can house two astronauts for up to 14 days with sleeping and sanitary facilities. It is designed to require little or no maintenance, be able to travel thousands of miles climbing over rocks and up 40 degree slopes during its 10 year life exploring the harsh surface of the moon.

Vortex was used to simulate the LER vehicle dynamics as well as its interaction in a virtual lunar outpost. Makemedia provided the virtual lunar landscape models as well as 3D models for the LER and outpost structures. Makemedia's broad visualization industry experience and meticulous attention to detail allowed Vortex to produce a realistic simulation of LER operations with stunning visuals of the NASA lunar outpost. The simulation features rover driving as well as using the LER excavator to dig regolith on the Moon's surface. New developments in Vortex deformable terrain simulation are featured in the simulator.

The Vortex Lunar Electric Rover simulator will be shown at ITEC 2010 in London. Visit Vortex at the Antycip Partners booth G140/H140 and take a test drive on Moon.

Contact Makemedia at +44 (0) 845 0178 777 or email info@makemedia.com.

Contact Vortex at +1-514-287-1166 x223 or email info@vxsim.com.

The Montana Operating Engineers (MTOE), affiliated with Local 400 of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), recently acquired a Vortex Crane Simulator. MTOE will add to their existing crane training program by providing simulation-based training for union members, helping them acquire important and comprehensive skills, which will result in more experienced operators and safer working conditions. As well, the Vortex simulator allows students to gain easy access to realistic machine training without the cost and environmental impact of operating actual heavy equipment.

With the Vortex Crane Simulator, IUOE apprentices and operators will learn how to use the equipment in increasingly challenging training exercises. High-resolution virtual worksites, realistic crane and load dynamics, authentic crane controls and challenging heavy-lift exercises provide students with rich operational experience. To accelerate learning, exercises feature navigation aids, performance metrics, and a playback review mode for team evaluation purposes. Instructors can introduce equipment failures, difficult weather conditions and other challenges to teach students to properly and safely react to situations that may arise on a worksite.

"We are eager to provide simulation-based training to our members, so we are pleased to be working with the Vortex team," said Quinton Farr, Director of Training, Montana Operating Engineers Apprenticeship and Training. "The Vortex Crane Simulator provides the benefits we targeted for our crane operator program: to bring our training into the 21st century, to increase operator safety, to green the program, and to do all this as cost-effectively as possible."

Contact Vortex at +1-514-287-1166 x225 or email info@vxsim.com.

Vortex Sponsors AI and Robotics Conference

Vortex is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the 2010 AI/GI/CRV Conference, which will be held from May 31 to June 2, 2010 at the University of Ottawa. The conference, a collaboration among three leading research conferences (Artificial Intelligence 2010, Graphics Interface 2010, and Computer and Robot Vision 2010), will bring together hundreds of industry, government, research leaders, as well as Canada's most accomplished students to showcase Canadian ingenuity and innovation in intelligent systems and advanced information and communications technology. If you would like to meet at AI/GI/CRV, please email us at academic@vxsim.com.

McGill University Using Vortex for Modelling Human Motion

Vortex, Canadian Space Agency and McGill Present Rover Simulation Paper at ASTRO 2010

McGill University Centre for Intelligent Machines will be presenting, Simulation-based Rover Performance Evaluation and Effects of Terrain Modelling, a collaborative research project with Vortex and the Canadian Space Agency at the ASTRO 2010 conference in May. ASTRO 2010 is an Astronautics conference that the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute holds every two years. The paper investigates the effect of soft, deformable terrain modelling on the performance of planetary rovers, for the evaluation of design concepts under typical rover operation tasks. The work simulates the physical phenomena exhibited by such terrain and the possibilities to model these with the primary purpose of representing the effects of the terrain on the rover behaviour. Click Here to download (PDF).

Join the Vortex Academic Program

Click here for more information on the Vortex Academic Program or contact the Academic Program Manager at +1-514-287-1166 x223 or email academic@vxsim.com.

Antycip Simulation - Europe

Antycip Simulation has created a dedicated business unit for crane and heavy equipment simulation solutions in Europe. This new activity will complement Antycip Simulation's portfolio with a new offering to the market specialized in meeting crane and heavy equipment training needs. Antycip Simulation, the European leader in the provision of simulation software, projection solutions and related engineering services, is a subsidiary of ST Electronics (Training & Simulation Systems) Pte Ltd.

Antycip Simulation has enhanced its existing partnership with CMLabs which has developed a strong offer for crane and heavy equipment simulation solutions in recent years. This offer includes three main products: the entry-level Vortex VxTrainer, VxAdvantage and the fully-immersive VxMaster. Each solution is modular and provides ready-to-use scenarios for training purposes for construction, port and offshore equipment operations. The main benefits of the solution are the immersion of users in a safe environment and the reduction of overall training costs. To learn more about Antycip Simulation, visit their corporate website

CPS - Middle East and North Africa

CPS Canadian Petroleum Services Inc. have recently joined the Vortex sales partner program to develop Vortex business in the Middle East and North Africa regions. CPS is an organization dedicated to providing the worldwide oil and gas market with highly specialized and independent training services. Established in Canada, its principals have been providing international training and consulting services since 1993, with a primary focus on providing Canadian training and consulting as well as goods and services. Presently, CPS provides the North African and part of the Middle East market with technical and management training (in both French and English), consulting services, marketing and promotion of state-of-the-art technology products overseas. To learn more about CPS, visit their corporate website or contact Nazmi M. Nazmi at nmnazmi@cpscanadian.com or by phone at +1-416-590-8985.

For more information about Vortex simulators, Click here.