The University of Huddersfield’s Centre for Innovation in Rail (CIR) is built on the highly advanced research and development capabilities of their Institute of Railway Research (IRR). This centre aims to support introducing new technologies to the rail sector supply chain.

The University’s CIR focuses on new technologies, procedures, and product innovation in rolling stock, and they have recently invested over £4M in developing advanced testing facilities. Even more exciting is that the University of Huddersfield is part of a group of 8 UK Universities who make up the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network.

The University of Huddersfield bid was quite complex, and our response was formulated by both our Toulouse and Adelaide offices. As a simulator purely dedicated to research and engineering, rather than it being a training simulator to train drivers/operators, the proposal was quite unique compared other bids.

With a focus on research, the University of Huddersfield wants to understand human factors, i.e., fatigue and vibration effects on passengers and drivers, through various route and ride conditions in UK trains.  To achieve this, Oktal Sydac will be supplying the University with one cab simulator on a motion base. This cab can also be removed and replaced with a passenger cab.

The University of Huddersfield are a leader in rail transport related research and we are thrilled to be supplying our simulator as the test rig in their Centre for Innovation in Rail. Valuable information will be gained regarding cabin layouts, driver behaviour, and better ways will possibly be discovered for utilising training simulators for training.

Excitingly, this will be the first project delivered under the new Oktal Sydac entity after the two companies joined forces in August. Working on this landmark project together will pave the way for closer and more frequent collaboration between our international offices and we’re eager to be a part of such an innovative venture.