He talks about the latest Pocketsim mobile app, ‘Zoom fatigue’ and an upcoming virtual event on Vortex Studio.
CM Labs Simulations develops software for simulator training in real time environments for a variety of industries, such as ports, construction and the forestry sectors.
The company recently held a webinar on Port Terminals designed to discuss simulation technology in the context of ‘the shift towards digitlisation and automation’.
“There are many reasons why automation is coming to the fore due to the pandemic generally but also the industry upsizing as a whole,” said Clark.
“During the event, people had questions on how to use the technology, not just for training on the integrity of data management in the process of moving towards automation.
“We are seeing a greater demand from ports primarily in response to competitive pressures, for the addition of certain processes. The umbrella topics we covered in the webinar were how can ports make the transition to automation, with the theme divided into four sub-topics; what are the drivers for automation; what are the lessons learned from past automation efforts; what sort of outcome can you expect and how can automation hep you achieve your objectives.
“Pocketsim is an augmented reality app, designed to complement CM Labs training simulators, what’s great about the app is you don’t have to take a production offline to use them, they can be used day or night no matter what the weather is, and you can learn how to operate equipment under conditions that would not necessarily be accessible to them otherwise. The app allows trainees to get up close and personal to the equipment, learn different inspection points before getting onto the equipment for the first time.
“I think mobile application training is a future necessity and the reality of the past year with the pandemic has shown us how essential it is for people to be able to access learning tools from wherever they are. The workplace of the future is only going to become more decentralised, that’s the nature of technology.”
Next for CM Labs is a virtual event (on June 17) on Vortex Studio, a real time simulation platform, used primarily by engineers to develop their own simulators or to develop other innovative equipment, without having to create a prototype, which means if any problems arise you can fix them quickly and more cheaply.
The biggest challenge for Clark he said, is not being able to meet people in person. “We are all suffering from legendary Zoom fatigue, which makes it more challenging to have face-to-face discussions and I am looking forward to being able to get in touch with everyone once the measures have eased.”
