Tecpetrol employees and contractors can now prepare for critical driving scenarios through an immersive simulator that recreates real routes and helps reinforce safety on every journey.

Can accidents happen in a safe environment? At Fortín de Piedra, the answer is yes. In April, a new mixed reality driving simulator was launched to train drivers who regularly travel the route between the city of Neuquén and the oil field. The system combines a physical cabin with a virtual environment to recreate real driving conditions and critical situations on the road.

“Road risk is one of the most critical issues in the industry today,” explains Rossmery Maturana, HSE Regional Sr. Manager. “Long distances, changing road conditions and extended workdays increase the likelihood of incidents. That’s why we developed this tool to train both our own staff and transport contractors.”

“We wanted the experience to be fully immersive,” emphasizes Javier Nickels, IT Digital Innovation Expert. To achieve this, the simulator combines a physical cabin built using parts from a decommissioned truck with a mixed reality headset. The system allows users to see the actual vehicle controls while virtually recreating the routes taken in different company locations on and beyond the windshield.

“The biggest challenge was making sure the simulator accurately reflected our routes,” says Maximiliano Martel, Health & Safety Manager. “We traveled the actual circuits and worked alongside the development company to adapt the system to real driving conditions.”

Inside the simulator, personnel are exposed to scenarios such as vehicle failures, animals crossing the road and adverse weather conditions, while experiencing all the vibrations, steering resistance and movements of a real drive in the cabin. “The simulator makes it possible to be exposed to high-risk situations in a safe environment,” points out Ignacio Laurito, IT Digital Solution Analyst. “It tracks whether the driver fastens their seatbelt, makes sudden maneuvers or reacts appropriately to scenarios such as encountering a truck on the highway or driving on a gravel road in the rain.”

Rodrigo López, Operations Services Manager, and one of the Basin’s top drivers recognized through the HSE Awards Program, has already tested the new simulator. “It was a really impressive experience, combining both virtual and physical worlds,” he says. He especially valued the fact that the simulator recreates the same routes used daily at the sites, making the training more realistic and effective. “I think it will really help to improve safety by training drivers how to handle real-life situations on the road.”

During the inauguration, Federico Sameghini, Chief HSE Officer, highlighted the role of technology in strengthening the company’s safety culture. “We’re convinced that we need to ride the wave of digital innovation as it has a lot to contribute to protecting our people,” he said. “Although we’ve been working with virtual reality for several years, we wanted a solution designed specifically for Tecpetrol and aligned with our way of operating. I believe this simulator will add significant value.”