CM Labs Simulations, a leading vendor for simulation-based training in the ports industry, has updated two of its integral Port yard-side simulation training packs.

Updates to the Reach Stacker and Empty Container Handler (ECH) include elements that enhance the realistic machine feel and behavior of the offerings such as the addition of inching pedals, different camera positioning, and spreader reference lines. 

“The CM Labs teams work continuously with our customer base and industry experts to improve and enhance our existing product line,” said Devon Van de Kletersteeg, CM Labs’ product manager, ports.

“The updates of Reach Stacker and ECH provide pivotal training for yard-side equipment operations, which are critical to the safe and efficient handling of cargo and optimizing port productivity.”

Both the Reach Stacker and the ECH enjoy full compatibility with CM Labs’ family of hardware, including the Port Trainer, Advantage 5 Screen, Master 10- and 13-Screen and MasterCab operator stations. For both training packs, the pedagogy remains the same, with training objectives and exercises designed to replicate everyday equipment handling, as well as exceptional situations and special handling, to train operators.

A More Immersive CM Labs’ Empty Container Handler (ECH) 

CM Labs’ development team updated the ECH to include a simulated Inching Pedal to allow the operator to operate the equipment in a precise way representative of the precise movement of the equipment. The left pedal on the simulator pedal board acts as the inching pedal and the engagement is configurable in the commissioning settings. The update also includes additional cameras to aid visibility when locking into containers.

An Empty Container Handler (ECH) is a vehicle designed to move and arrange empty cargo containers in port environments. The ECH Simulator Training Pack features all the components of an actual empty container handler, with a 9,000 kg load capacity.

The training pack software accurately reproduces equipment behavior under various weather conditions, loads, and equipment failures. To simulate empty container handler behavior realistically, CM Labs Simulations used specifications, load charts, and other information from equipment manufacturers.

Reach Stacker (RS) Updated for Better Handling

CM Labs’ development team also updated the Reach Stacker Simulator Training Pack to include an Inching Pedal to better represent the functionality and to facilitate the precise movements representative of the actual machines. As with the ECH, the Reach Stacker Inching Pedal helps with precise movement of the equipment.

CM Labs’ Reach Stacker Simulator Training Pack features all the components of a real Reach Stacker.

To ensure additional realistic machine behavior, the team added Reference Lines to the spreader on the Reach Stacker. Many Reach Stackers have reference lines on their spreaders, used to indicate the relative position of the spreader in terms of skew and rotation. With this addition, CM Labs’ Reach Stacker Simulator Training Pack features all the components of a real Reach Stacker.

It has a 45-ton load capacity and accurately reproduces authentic equipment behavior under various weather conditions, loads, and equipment failures. To simulate reach stacker behavior realistically, the CM Labs development team used specifications, load charts, and other information from equipment manufacturers.

Ultimately, both the Reach Stacker and the ECH Simulator Training Packs offer a comprehensive learning experience, with guided exercises that cover a wide range of skills, from basic controls to special load handling operations. The team has meticulously designed these exercises to align with industry standards and best practices. Moreover, they incorporated dynamic features such as day/night time variations, weather adjustments, and simulated faults, ensuring an authentic and challenging training environment for all trainees.