The cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) driving simulator for people aged between 70-80 will revolutionise the way older people drive.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Putting major government funding to good use, McLean Care joined Deakin University to design, develop and trial the unique and innovative technology that assists older people to keep their driver’s licences for longer.
“McLean Care is committed to ensuring that older people in regional, rural and remote communities have equitable access to services that help them to maintain their health, independence and wellbeing as they age.” said Sue Thomson, McLean Care CEO.
“By combining cutting edge technologies such as sensors, virtual reality, and simulation training, we are leading the way in developing technology to support the seniors in their local areas to remain connected to their communities.
“A supplementary outcome of this technology is the ability to enable consumers and their support networks to have the confidence to make informed choices regarding their independence, as the programme will also include reports and health metric data that can be used by Health Professionals to support decision-making.” Ms Thomson said.
McLean Care has named Deakin University as its collaborative partner to develop a world-class state-of- the-art simulator that will be located in Inverell, and use 3D modelling to build the Inverell township in a virtual world to provide older people aged between 70 – 80 years with real-life driving experience in a safe and supportive environment, with the expected benefit of enabling people to hold their licences for longer, and enriching their driving experience into the future.
Ben Horan, director of the CADET Virtual Reality Laboratory at Deakin University, said “Virtual reality technologies have matured to the point where we can create realistic training environments.
“This provides the opportunity to work with McLean Care to fill their identified need for a VR driving simulator, enabling elderly drivers to practise driving in a completely safe virtual environment.
“It’s exciting partnerships like these that allow us to work together to be innovative and really push the boundaries.”
“Having just undertaken my PhD in this area (VR), the opportunity to work on this project with McLean Care allows me to put the expertise I’ve gained to such a good use,” Michael Mortimer, Deakin University research engineer, continued.
