Virtually all racing simulators we see nowadays that also try to provide a realistic range of motion could not exist without hydraulic jacks. However, now, a new way has been shown to achieve the same (or better) results using a cable system instead.
Fraunhofer IPA has teamed up with the Tübingen-based Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics and created what it calls a “cable-driven parallel robot.” The innovation was shown at the Driving Simulator Conference & Exhibition which was held in Tübingen, Germany earlier this month.
What are its advantages over the familiar approach? Well, it is apparently capable of simulating up to 1.5g of force, thanks to a total power capability of 348 kW or ~470 hp… The power is used to spin a series of eight winches which in turn spool up the cables to create the motion effect.
No plans for any specific use was announced, but we could see this being used in all manner of vehicle simulations