(infrastructure shared with the Barredo Foundation)

A mining machinery simulation system based on virtual reality techniques is available at the Barredo Underground Experimentation Center.

The system enables to simulate a continuous roadheader for gallery drivage in order to train the personnel in charge of the operation of the real machine. The simulator has a high degree of realism, it is based in the physical reproduction of the control seat of the roadheader in a virtual reality environment. The model considers the functioning of the different parts of the machine, specially the arm and the cutting head in its relation with the front, these are shown in a screen as a virtual world, the real sounds of the machine are performed with a special sound system and the machine vibration is simulated by a movable platform with three degrees of freedom. A physical model of the machine control panel is located in front of the user.

The virtual image is shown by retroprojection in a large screen placed in front of the operator with a wide visual angle. The system updates actively the sight point of the operator with a position and orientation sensor of his head which is fixed to the helmet and can work in a stereoscopic mode using LCD glasses.