CM Labs Releases Updates to Reach Stacker and Empty Container Handler Simulator Training Packs

• CM Labs Simulations announces updates to its Reach Stacker and Empty Container Handler (ECH) simulation training packs, enhancing realism with features like inching pedals, camera positioning, and spreader reference lines.

• The updates aim to improve yard-side equipment operation training, crucial for safe cargo handling and port productivity, and are compatible with CM Labs’ range of hardware including the Port Trainer and MasterCab operator stations.

• The ECH Simulator Training Pack now includes a simulated inching pedal for precise equipment operation and additional cameras for improved container locking visibility, simulating real ECH behavior with a 9,000 kg load capacity under various conditions.

• The Reach Stacker Simulator Training Pack has been enhanced with an inching pedal for precise movement and reference lines on the spreader to indicate its position, offering a realistic training experience with a 45-ton load capacity.

• Both training packs are designed to offer comprehensive learning experiences with exercises covering basic controls to special load handling operations, incorporating industry standards, best practices, and dynamic features like day/night variations and weather adjustments.

Key updates to port equipment simulation training enhance immersive experience though inching pedals, reference lines, and camera positioning.

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CM Labs Simulations, leading vendor for simulation-based training in the ports industry, announces significant updates to two of its integral Port yard-side simulation training packs. Updates to the Reach Stacker and Empty Container Handler (ECH) include elements that enhance the realistic machine feel and behavior of the offerings such as the addition of inching pedals, different camera positioning, and spreader reference lines.

“The CM Labs teams work continuously with our customer base and industry experts to improve and enhance our existing product line,” said Devon Van de Kletersteeg, CM Labs’ product manager, ports. “The updates of Reach Stacker and ECH provide pivotal training for yard-side equipment operations, which are critical to the safe and efficient handling of cargo and optimizing port productivity.”

Both the Reach Stacker and the ECH enjoy full compatibility with CM Labs’ family of hardware, including the Port Trainer, Advantage 5 Screen, Master 10- and 13-Screen and MasterCab operator stations. For both training packs, the pedagogy remains the same, with training objectives and exercises designed to replicate everyday equipment handling, as well as exceptional situations and special handling, to train operators.

A More Immersive CM Labs’ Empty Container Handler (ECH)

CM Labs’ development team updated the ECH to include a simulated Inching Pedal to allow the operator to operate the equipment in a precise way representative of the precise movement of the equipment. The left pedal on the simulator pedal board acts as the inching pedal and the engagement is configurable in the commissioning settings. The update also includes additional cameras to aid visibility when locking into containers.

An Empty Container Handler (ECH) is a vehicle designed to move and arrange empty cargo containers in port environments. The ECH Simulator Training Pack features all the components of an actual empty container handler, with a 9,000 kg load capacity. The training pack software accurately reproduces equipment behavior under various weather conditions, loads, and equipment failures. To simulate empty container handler behavior realistically, CM Labs Simulations used specifications, load charts, and other information from equipment manufacturers.

Reach Stacker (RS) Updated for Better Handling

CM Labs’ development team also updated the Reach Stacker Simulator Training Pack to include an Inching Pedal to better represent the functionality and to facilitate the precise movements representative of the actual machines. As with the ECH, the Reach Stacker Inching Pedal helps with precise movement of the equipment.

To ensure additional realistic machine behavior, the team added Reference Lines to the spreader on the Reach Stacker. Many Reach Stackers have reference lines on their spreaders, used to indicate the relative position of the spreader in terms of skew and rotation. With this addition, CM Labs’ Reach Stacker (RS) Simulator Training Pack features all the components of a real Reach Stacker.

It has a 45-ton load capacity and accurately reproduces authentic equipment behavior under various weather conditions, loads, and equipment failures. To simulate reach stacker behavior realistically, the CM Labs development team used specifications, load charts, and other information from equipment manufacturers.

Ultimately, both the Reach Stacker and the ECH Simulator Training Packs offer a comprehensive learning experience, with guided exercises that cover a wide range of skills, from basic controls to special load handling operations. The team has meticulously designed these exercises to align with industry standards and best practices. Moreover, they incorporated dynamic features such as day/night time variations, weather adjustments, and simulated faults, ensuring an authentic and challenging training environment for all trainees.