Virtual Simulator for Forklift Training

There is a growing demand for skilled labor to control heavy machinery, being mandatory specific training courses. Annually, specialists in heavy machinery undergo recycling courses (normally required by companies) to review contents related to work safety, basic mechanics, and machine operation. These courses have high cost due to the need to purchase and maintain the machines, especially, fuel and new parts. In addition, the handling of heavy machinery also involves life risk, being fundamental the training phase. This work presents a virtual simulator for forklift training, developed with a graphic motor and haptic control interfaces specially designed for machine control: steering wheel and flight joystick (both with force feedback), and Oculus Rift. Operational tests showed that the simulator correctly represents the main functionalities and characteristics of a real forklift. Moreover, quantitative and qualitative tests were performed with participants and with a specialist operator, certified in the handling of the forklift model used in this work, verifying the effectiveness of the simulator.