Gaming technology inspires latest generation of mobile drilling simulator

By Clive Battisby, Director of simulator operations for 3T Energy Group

Immersive and easy-to-use gaming technology has been used to develop the latest generation of software for advanced simulator developer, Drilling Systems,’ revolutionary mobile On-The-Rig (OTR) simulator.

Drilling Systems has released a new version of its its mobile OTR system, which has all the capabilities of a full-size simulator but is compact enough to be transported to remote locations to train drilling crews in all elements of operations, from well control to drilling and crane lifting.

The new software incorporates even more realistic graphics and an enhanced instructor-free learning management system (LMS), making it easier and more engaging to follow learning programmes. It was developed in conjunction with Neutron VR, which like Drilling Systems is part of the 3T Energy Group. Neutron’s heritage is rooted firmly in the gaming industry as both of its founders previously working for games developer, Eutechnyx, with extensive experience in creating striking visuals and immersive experiences.

As well as an updated touch control screen system and highly immersive on-screen graphics, the OTR’s new software update includes shortened learning exercises with instant performance feed-back to enhance learning. The software also uses a cloud hosted system, allowing user data to be uploaded remotely and synchronised across different units so someone could start an exercise on one OTR and finish the same programme on another, as well as providing a dashboard on user performance.

Drilling Systems’ OTR simulator system is already being used successfully in the field to prepare drilling crews for operations. Earlier this year, the OTR was used on the Ocean Great White rig to rehearse the specific conditions faced at Blackrock, off Shetland. The OTR was programmed with specific training scenarios, allowing the crew to practice anticipated scenarios in a safe environment beforehand so they knew exactly how to react when faced with similar situations on board. Feedback following the campaign showed the simulator to be ‘an asset to the project’s success’ helping to maximise up-time and develop crew skills and confidence.

Clive Battisby, Director of simulator operations for 3T Energy Group, said: “Our new OTR software has been developed following extensive research with existing clients to make it even easier and more intuitive to use our learning programmes without an instructor. Neutron VR brought its experience of the gaming sector to the project and you can see this in the extremely realistic graphics and engaging and easy to follow training scenarios. We’ve also introduced instant feedback so that operators can understand mistakes as soon as they happen - helping to speed up the overall training process.

“The oil and gas sector can benefit enormously from the gaming industry’s vast expertise in areas such as the creation of digital twins or immersive learning environments and our new OTR software is a great example of this. We’ve started the roll out and are confident our clients will be impressed.”

For a free demonstration of the new Drilling Systems’ software or to find out more about the OTR system visit www.drillingsystems.com or contact +44 (0) 1202 582255.