DimSim (Deep Intelligence Machine Simulator)

DimSim research is focused on developing a physically accurate, virtual simulation environment, able to simulate the function and performance of RDA’s autonomous vehicles and related systems, in a variety of environmental terrains and variable tactical military scenarios.

Project title: DimSim (Deep Intelligence Machine Simulator)

Project dates: ​Feb 2020 – July 2021 (with likely Stage 2 extension of 3 years)

Grants and funding: ​$1.5M AU 

Description

Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s (RDA) DimSim research project is an integral part of RDA’s Program WOLF, autonomous vehicle research and technology development program.

DimSim research is focused on developing a physically accurate, virtual simulation environment, able to simulate the function and performance of RDA’s autonomous vehicles and related systems, in a variety of environmental terrains and variable tactical military scenarios.

The overarching research question this project seeks to answer is: Can virtual simulation of tactical environments reduce the development effort required to build trusted autonomous systems?

Research strategy

DimSim will be used by RDA and project partners, to test, train, evaluate and demonstrate autonomous vehicles and related systems which are currently under development. WOLF’s goal is to fundamentally change the way in which land vehicles support military operations, by transforming a vehicle from tool to teammate, to provide currently unachievable levels of soldier protection, support, and tactical advantage. This involves the development of the next generation of land vehicle systems warfighting capability, with an emphasis on developing trusted autonomous systems which provide human-machine teaming and optional crewed control.

This research program will boost RMIT’s research capabilities in defence; machine learning; robotics; real-time simulation and games & graphics development.

Rationale

Rheinmetall is a multinational defence company looking at building autonomous defence capabilities, as well as rescue (e.g., in bushfires scenarios), that can be leveraged by Australian defence and support forces.

Key people

  • Fabio Zambetta
  • John Thangarajah
  • Flora Salim
  • Jeffrey Chan
  • Timothy Wiley (SoS)
  • Reza Hoseinnezhad
  • Alireza Bab-Hadiashar (SEng)

Associated journal publications

None yet, project started in Late February.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.