Simlog Blog
Simulation for training, as we know it today, began back in 1934 when Ed Link sold his “Pilot Maker” to the (USA) Army Air Corps to help train people to fly the first airplanes. But simulation for training people to operate heavy equipment in forestry, construction, mining, and material handling, continues to be something “new”, and so this blog is meant to help you learn more.
The fact is, after almost 25 years as Simlog’s President (and Founder), and 15 years of work before that in engineering and university research, I’ve developed a unique perspective on what’s really important (and what’s not), and so I hope that you’ll find these entries informative.
Paul Freedman, Ph.D., P. Eng.
Aug 22
2022
2022
A recent article in Bloomberg Businessweek [1] noted that employers are increasingly working with their local high schools to develop new programs that combine classroom learning with on-the-job training. The objective: grow your own skilled workers. “With almost two openings for every person looking for work, US companies are increasingly (...)
Aug 17
2022
2022
Being safe: no incidents, no accidents. And that’s why a good equipment operator is always, first and foremost, a safe equipment operator. The fact is, for every $1 spent in direct costs (repairs to damaged equipment, medical expenses for injured people), you’ll typically spend an additional $2 to $4 in indirect costs (downtime, delays in (...)
Jul 26
2022
2022
Oh, that’s just a video game. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard that comment, when someone stops at our trade show booth. But training simulation is not a video game. Here’s why. About “Fun” and “Work” and “Serious Games” In his book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (...)
May 5
2022
2022
As increasing numbers of equipment operators retire, employers are struggling to recruit new ones. And those new hires are often young people who've grown up playing video games.
Mar 16
2022
2022
Starting with the “Link Trainer” back in 1929, motion has been an important part of simulation to help train pilots to fly airplanes. And that’s why a “Full Flight Simulator” is equipped with a motion base that moves in all directions, to create sufficient realism. Nonetheless, many years of (military) (...)