Adding motion and big screens makes the Honda auto driving simulator more "real."
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. this week began sales in Japan of an all-new automobile driving simulator developed for the purpose of traffic safety education.
Building on an existing simulator, the graphic capability was improved to provide more detailed and precise instructions. A newly adopted high-definition 42-inch LCD display allows trainees to experience a sense of driving that is said to be closer to real-world conditions, including “Night,” “Fog” and “Highway” modes.
The driver is given advice on how to ensure safe driving in potentially dangerous situations that have a high possibility of occurring in the real world.
Honda developed the automobile simulator as a traffic safety educational device that provides users a safe environment in which to experience the risks inherent to real-world traffic situations.
Since it was first introduced in 2001, Honda has sold approximately 200 units of the automobile driving simulator in Japan and overseas. Current prices –depending on whether 2-axis motion or 6-axis motion is specified, range from $70,000-$106,000.
Honda also develops and sells motorcycle simulators globally, and bicycle simulators as well as a PC-based automobile driving simulator in Japan with the goal of improving drivers’ ability to predict risks and increase safety awareness for a wider range of people who operate mobility devices.