Programmer premiers first VR simulator for lift planning

The 3D Lift Vision simulator enables users to execute in virtual reality mode a lift plan for precast or other structural member. “Each simulation is as unique as the lift plan that it is based on,” says A1A Software President Tawnia Weiss. “There is no better way to visualize the outcome of a lift than to allow the crane operator and other team members to simulate it in a virtual environment. 3D Lift Vision extends the ability of 3D Lift Plan to be used as a communication and risk mitigation tool.”

There is no limit to the number of users who can engage in 3D Lift Vision, which allows the entire crew—crane operator, riggers, signal person, tagline holders—to see and practice a lift in the virtual environment. Crane rental sales teams can use it to demonstrate to the customer where cranes and personnel will be placed, as well as their ability to make the lift according to the proposed plan. For risk mitigation, the operator and entire crane and rigging crew can practice the lift before arriving on site, allowing them to assess equipment and personnel placement, load travel route, and whether anything has changed in the job site environment that will impact the lift. It also improves communication with lift or safety directors, and other contractors or trades.

Because the simulations are based on the companion 3D Lift Plans program, employers can use 3D Lift Vision to evaluate and qualify operators for the crane and application. 3D Lift Vision is an add-on license to 3D Lift Plan subscriptions. Each license comes with one headset, part of a compact, portable, and wireless hardware offering. Communication through the headset allows individuals in different locations to simultaneously engage in the same 3D Lift Vision simulation. — A1A Software, Fernandina Beach, Fla., 904/430-0355; www.3DLiftPlan.com, www.iCraneTrax.com