Skip to main content

TRL launches VR blind spot detector

UK-based research establishment TRL has launched a blind spot simulator rig which uses virtual reality to improve truck cab design, road layouts and improve the safety of road users and reduce costs for designers. The precision of the system is based on a physical rig developed by TRL and Volvo. It ensures an accurate representation of direct vision from a real-life Volvo vehicle cab which allows seat, steering and wheel adjustments to be replicated for each driver.
October 6, 2017 Read time: 2 mins

UK-based research establishment 491 TRL has launched a blind spot simulator rig which uses virtual reality to improve truck cab design, road layouts and improve the safety of road users and reduce costs for designers.

The precision of the system is based on a physical rig developed by TRL and 609 Volvo. It ensures an accurate representation of direct vision from a real-life Volvo vehicle cab which allows seat, steering and wheel adjustments to be replicated for each driver. The VR experience is then reconfigured to reflect their physical dimensions and individual seat positions - which results in an accurate replication of driving a real vehicle.

Ceki Erginbas, senior researcher at TRL, said: "With this calibrated system, we can accurately test new vehicles or road environment designs, without the need to physically build them. We can also accurately recreate traffic accidents, from the viewpoint of different people located at the scene.  

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Faster reactions reinforce reality for Japan Radio’s simulator
    October 6, 2015
    When equipped with its full motion system, Japan Radio’s driving simulator is so large it wouldn’t fit on the company’s stand – however, ITSWC visitors can still try a static version of the system. The simulator can be used in scenarios where on-road trials could lead to dangerous situations and it repeat tests to evaluate the reaction of a number of drivers to a particular set of circumstances. Using the simulator is said to be both faster and cheaper than putting vehicles on the road and situations modell
  • Intertraffic Awards 2024: finalists announced
    February 2, 2024
    15 entries across three awards have been recognised for their innovation in mobility
  • QRoutes launches transport planning software for schools and special needs
    November 15, 2017
    QRoutes has launched the latest version of its Transport Planning tool which is designed with the intention of simplifying and improving the planning of school and special needs transport. It creates visual map-based results and enables planners to explore what-if scenarios to find new improved routes. The QRoutes Planner (QRP) can configure the system to take into account a range of variables affecting each route plan. These include board and alight times for different passenger types, and road type
  • Get connected
    May 18, 2012
    Delegates at National Harbor this week have opportunity to gain first hand experience of a national connected vehicle program Vehicles of the test fleet of an extensive research program are being put through their paces each day of this year’s ITS America Annual Meeting. With the key objective of showing how vehicles from different manufacturers can communicate and understand each other, technology of the US DOT Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Program is being demonstrated at National Harbor.