Developments in ROV Simulation Technology Mark Collins Deputy Managing Director SUBSEA UK ROV CONFERENCE 4th September 2014
SMD Company Profile Established in 1971 Pioneer in seabed trenching technology World leader in a range of integrated seabed intervention systems Leading supplier of turn key work class ROV systems Developing world s first deep water seafloor mining tools HQ, design offices and assembly in Newcastle upon Tyne Offices in Houston, Rio de Janeiro and Singapore Privately owned by Inflexion and management
Discussion Points Why simulate? What makes a good ROV simulator? Types of simulator Developments and features What next for ROV simulation?
Why simulate? Training Familiarisation Lots of stick time Improve competency No danger to equipment With right simulator flying hours can be logged De-risk/improve efficiency/lower cost
Why simulate? Scenario Planning (operator) Build solution in virtual undersea environment Plan and Validate Demonstrate solution to client Rehearse De-risk/improve efficiency /lower cost
Why simulate? Product development (OEM) Validate design/calculations Test how a vehicle shape performs with external influence (eg current) Test control algorithms (eg dynamic positioning, stability control) De-risk/improve efficiency /lower cost
What makes a good simulator? Multiple use Training/Marketing/Development Realistic human interface Realistic graphics Realistic physics for behaviour, collision and snagging Change environment in real time Introduce system faults in real time Easily customise - prepare and import content Ready for the future..
Human Interface -Type of Simulator Desktop/Portable Simulates environment only Upload models and structures Rehearse tasks Client demonstration Low capital cost But.. Does not simulate ROV control system Does not simulate ROV vehicle hardware
Human Interface -Type of Simulator Desktop/Portable Scenario planning HCI Simulated Environment Product development Training X HCI Realistic ROV Control Desk HCI Simulated Vehicle Feedback Simulated ROV Hardware
Human Interface -Type of Simulator Full replica Simulates environment Upload models and structures Uses real ROV control system Simulates ROV hardware More realistic training/rehearsal of tasks More impressive client demonstration But.. High capital cost
Human Interface -Type of Simulator Full Replica Scenario planning HCI Simulated Environment Product development Training HCI Realistic ROV Control Desk HCI Simulated Vehicle Feedback Simulated ROV Hardware
Development SMD is working with partner Tree C Technology to develop ROV simulator technology Desktop, full replica and total immersion Uses the latest Algoryx Agx Dynamics physics engine Designed for Training, Scenario planning and Development Tree C have experience simulating a wide range of offshore equipment inc heavy lift, pipe lay etc
Options for immersion Screen configuration
Graphics Utilise latest processing power Faithful recreation of details Helps with realism
Graphics replicating subsea visibility TMS poor vis SMD 2013
Graphics lighting and shadows Manips SMD 2013
Physics Accurate tether behaviour and snagging Correct frictional properties Advanced collision mapping
Physics accurate tether behaviour Tether behaviour SMD 2013
Physics advanced collision mapping Bullet and collide SMD 2013
Making realtime environmental changes Visibility Sea State conditions Current
Realtime changes sea state Environmental seastate SMD 2013
Realtime changes - current Environmental current SMD 2013
Realtime fault introduction Digital failure Intermittent and timed failure Registered by ROV control system
Realtime fault introduction System faults
Easily prepare and import models Import own models Recreate subsea worksite OEM development tool
Easily prepare and import models Start with engineering CAD data Import CAD data in 3DS MAX Add photo realism if desired Add intelligent primitives (hinge points etc.) Script equipment behaviour Automatically add collision geometry Automatically optimise geometry Save in simulator content repository Load equipment through exercise creation tab in instructor screen
Adjusting model parameters OEM develomen
What next? Real life / simulator augmented reality Simulator synchronised with real ROV Pilot aids for tools and component protection
What next? Augmented reality positioning
What next? Augmented reality control
What next? Virtual Guide Simulated guides: Simulated funnel to guide / direct usage of manipulator on critical subsea components Simulated manipulator to guide real manipulator Ideal for inexperienced operators as not fully automatic Mitigate and reduce risks / errors
What next? Fragile Component Protection (FCP) GO, NO GO areas protecting fragile components through force analysis and manipulator positioning; can be extended to tooling
Summary ROV simulators are becoming more flexible evolving to become more than just training aids. Benefit from improvements in computing power and advancements in gaming physics to become more realistic. Lines between real life and simulated environments will blur equipping operators with the tools to reduce risk, improve efficiency and undertake ever more complex ROV tasks.
Thank you Any questions?