The $9 million simulator is designed to provide advanced research and innovation opportunities for mobility technologies and industry sectors.
Minister for higher education Gayle Tierney today unveiled the simulator at Deakin University’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI).
The Genesis Simulator is one of the most advanced mobility simulators in Australia and the only one of its kind in a university in the world.
The simulator will fast-track transport prototyping and improve driver safety and training by supporting complex research into mobility and industry needs, automotive testing and design.
The five-metre-tall 360-degree screen creates an immersive and realistic experience for researchers to assess how different environmental and vehicular conditions affect specific driving conditions.
This advanced technology will boost training opportunities for students, researchers and industry across Victoria –supporting the pipeline of skilled workers ready to build the future manufacturing industry.
The state government has said it backs Geelong as a global innovation centre of automotive-based research and innovation, with this new project supporting more than 20 jobs, internship opportunities and Higher Degree by Research projects.
The Genesis Simulator was funded by the government’s $350 million Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF), developed to help universities respond to the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Victorian state government will invest $5 million in the simulator as part of the fund.
The fund supports universities with capital works, applied research and research infrastructure focused on boosting Victoria’s productivity.
“The new Genesis Simulator will boost our existing skills and knowledge in vehicle manufacturing – driving innovation and creating world-first solutions,” Tierney said.
“This will lead to ground-breaking research partnerships with companies and industry bodies across the automotive sector, emergency services, transport companies, and health bodies.”
Minister for manufacturing sovereignty Ben Carroll said, “Victoria is Australia’s manufacturing state – employing more than 260,000 people. That’s why we’re making sure our local workforce have the skills they need to power our economy.”
Deakin University deputy vice-chancellor research Professor Julie Owens, said, “IISRI has more than 15-years’ experience in motion simulation research and is home to Australia’s biggest multi-disciplinary team of world-class mobility researchers and PhD students. Deakin University is excited to launch our new Genesis simulator to support new industry partnerships, research and innovation.”
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