An Entirely Different Global Environment

Against the background of continued conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan and the undiminished threat of worldwide terrorism, the world’s largest exhibition of simulation, training and related technologies will take place in Orlando, Florida on December 6th to 9th.

Because of its ability to create artificial environments that are increasingly hard to distinguish from reality, modeling and simulation has assumed critical importance in all training involving dangerous, complicated tasks. As simulation training approaches virtual reality, many types of traditional training that involve money, time and risk are being supplanted. Simulation training’s ability to provide repetition and instantaneous feedback also give it unique advantages. While military applications of all kinds remain the technology’s primary focus, it is rapidly migrating into homeland security and other training in response to diverse threats and requirements. Simulation training is becoming more available to end users in the field through enhanced portability and PC-based applications. An example is the convoy training simulator designed for use in Iraq which will be featured in Orlando.

Other examples from the hundreds of displays include a trainer for operators of unmanned aerial vehicles; a driver trainer for the Stryker, the US Army’s new generation of vehicles which will be produced in 18 variants; an exercise and assessment system for emergency managers; and a wide variety of robots requiring minimal human intervention.

All these applications will be on display as at least 400 exhibitors from around the world fill the halls of the Orange County Convention Center for the four-day event, the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC).

FMI: www.iitsec.org