In an era where efficiency and safety are paramount in industrial operations, CM Labs Simulations is making waves with its latest innovation: the Intellia Overhead Crane Simulator Training Pack. As a global leader in simulation-based training solutions, CM Labs has long been at the forefront of providing realistic, high-quality training tools for industries such as construction, utilities and ports. With over 25 years of experience and more than 1,200 installations across 44 countries, the company is now bringing its expertise to the industrial steel sector.
The Intellia Overhead Crane Simulator is designed to address the growing demand for advanced training solutions that closely mimic the real-world conditions faced by operators in high-risk environments like steel manufacturing. This cutting-edge training tool offers a unique combination of features, including multiple attachments, a range of control schemes and the ability to simulate live faults. By enabling operators to practice with steel coils, slabs and other typical loads in a virtual warehouse environment, CM Labs is setting a new standard in industrial training.
Advanced training features for real-world operations
What sets the Intellia Overhead Crane Simulator apart is its attention to detail. The simulator’s training exercises allow operators to handle a variety of steel products using different attachment types, including scenarios that involve rail cars and trucks. The virtual environment mirrors the demands of the job, providing a highly realistic experience that prepares operators for the challenges of real-world operations.
Additionally, the simulator includes the unique ability to inject live faults into training exercises – such as equipment malfunctions or attachment failures – providing operators with a safe, stress-free opportunity to deal with unexpected challenges. This feature ensures that trainees are not only familiar with standard operations but are also ready for the unpredictable nature of their work.
Jason Salmon, a heavy equipment master trainer at Gerdau, a leading steel producer, spoke to the effectiveness of simulation-based training: “There’s no better way to train an operator than using a simulator, period. It takes us about half as long to get somebody signed off on our equipment because once they hit the field, they already know how the machine works.”
Global reach and future developments
While the Intellia Overhead Crane Simulator Training Pack was specifically developed for the industrial sector, CM Labs plans to expand its offering further in the coming months. The training pack is already available for purchase and is compatible with a variety of CM Labs’ training hardware, including the Edge Plus, Edge Max and Advantage systems. This flexibility allows for multiple control schemes, such as cobra joysticks and pendant controls, ensuring that the system can be customised to meet the needs of diverse industrial operations.
CM Labs is known for its commitment to continuous innovation. As Devon Van de Kletersteeg, CM Labs’ industrial product growth manager, tells OCH: “Our products are always evolving. As a company committed to continuous development, we have a clear roadmap for enhancing our industrial training packs. We are excited to grow alongside our clients as we gather valuable feedback to improve our offerings.”
When asked about the timing of their entrance into the overhead crane market, Van de Kletersteeg explains, “The overhead crane market and the broader industrial sector are currently experiencing growth and rapid adoption of new technology. We believe this is an ideal time to introduce our unique training solutions to support this transformation. Our technology provides safety training for new operators and continuous learning for existing operators, fostering continuous learning and development.”
Training innovation in a growing market
CM Labs’ expansion into the industrial sector comes at a time when many manufacturers are re-evaluating their workforce development strategies. “We’ve designed this training pack to address a critical need in the industrial market for realistic, cost-effective operator training,” says Van de Kletersteeg. “Our technology helps companies reduce training time, improve safety and lower the risk of costly operational errors. With the ability to simulate a wide range of scenarios, including malfunctioning equipment, we can give operators the experience they need to respond to unexpected issues on the job.”
When asked if CM Labs plans to offer its industrial training solutions globally, Van de Kletersteeg confirmed the company’s broad reach. “CM Labs is a global provider of simulation training systems, with a particularly strong presence in North America. We aim to leverage our relationships here in North America but also plan to offer our products globally,” he says.
The company’s goal to expand globally is backed by the diverse range of industrial products it already offers, including training systems for forklifts, telehandlers, rough terrain cranes, compact track loaders and excavators. By continuously evolving its product offerings, CM Labs remains at the cutting edge of simulationbased training technology.
Realistic, flexible and safe: a new standard in industrial training
The Intellia Overhead Crane Simulator is a testament to CM Labs’ unwavering dedication to delivering the most realistic training tools available. By offering customisable scenarios, real-time fault injections and various control schemes, CM Labs provides training experiences that closely mirror real-world operations. This approach not only helps reduce training costs and time but also ensures operators are fully prepared to face the complexities of their jobs with confidence and skill.
As the global industrial sector continues to adopt new technologies and prioritise safety, CM Labs remains focused on providing the most advanced training solutions to meet these demands. The Intellia Overhead Crane Simulator Training Pack is just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative journey for industrial operator education. www.cm-labs.com
