Hector helps older drivers

DEAKIN University engineers have developed a mixed reality driving simulator designed to help older drivers make informed decisions about their safety on the road.

The university’s School of Engineering recently completed the project for aged care provider Maclean Care, using a $726,000 grant from the federal government’s Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund.

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt and Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson inspected the project late last month with Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander at the Waurn Ponds campus’ Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training.

Professor den Hollander said the project demonstrated how Deakin engineers were forging new ground in the burgeoning field of “mixed” or “extended” reality.

“Deakin is committed to supporting the communities we serve and I am delighted to see that this particular project, developed with the aim of helping inform older drivers in decisions relating to their license, is taking advantage of the very latest technology so that we can just do that.

“It is also a good example of just what is possible when you match research and development expertise with government support to provide solutions to industry and is not surprising that is already getting attention from around the world.”

Lead designer Associate Professor Ben Horan said the first older driver simulator – named “Hector” after McLean Care’s first benefactor – could be the start of a fleet of adapted vehicles used in driver testing.

“The opportunity to work with McLean Care, and CEO Sue Thompson’s team, to fulfil their vision for Hector has been an exciting journey and a really great example of how university and industry collaborations can yield such great outcomes.

“Access to this simulator will give older drivers an idea of how they’re performing over time, so it’s great for people who are keen to maintain their independence but also keep an eye on how they’re tracking.

“It gives users a simulated driving experience and afterwards provides a read out of their reaction time and some important health metrics like heart rate.

“Of course this doesn’t replace the need for an older driver to see their regular GP for accurate testing, but it can be a fun, easy and accessible way to check in initially.”