Virtual Reality Simulator

In this project a crane VR simulator to load logs into a truck was developed based on Unity and the Oculus Quest 2. The main objective of the simulator is to load the logs into the truck without hitting the truck. Thus, an Haptic feedback was provided to the player through the vibration of the controllers, the vibration intensity is stronger if the log is near or touching the truck meanwhile it is weaker if the log is far from the truck.

Introduction

Loading logs into a truck can be difficult task if the crane operator doesn't have enough experience. The complicated terrain, the different sizes of the logs and the low visibility due to crane being in front the windshield make it an ideal situation for accidents. Such as: injuring people or damaging the truck due a collision with the logs. Thus, this simulator seeks to improve the experience and spacial awareness of the operator in a free risk environment.

Method

The truck was downloaded directly from the asset store and mesh collider (orange contour) was used in the main frame so the collision with the logs is accurately detected. Besides, trees and vegetation was placed in the surrounding of the truck to improve the surroundings.

4 Degree of Freedom

In-game Arm

Motion Control

A 4 degree robotic arm was downloaded from the Unity assets store, and the four joints are controlled by the left and right joysticks. Meanwhile, the trigger activate the end-effector.

As shown on the image, to detect the collision with the logs and increase the haptic feedback response several cylinder collider objects were created around each log along with the mesh collider. The mesh collider triggers the strongest haptic feedback, meaning the log has collided with the truck, then the first collider at 0.5 meters from the contour of the log triggers a middle haptic feedback meaning the log is in a dangerous zone and finally another cylindrical collider at 1.0 meter from the contour of the log that triggers a soft haptic feedback to warn the operator to be careful.

Results

Simulator

Operator

Conclusions

Although to operate a robotic arm is not an easy task, after several people tested the simulator for a few hours, their abilities to control the crane and load the truck improved. Besides, the program runs without bugs or crashes.