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Realtime Technologies To Upgrade UM Vehicle Simulator

ROYAL OAK -- Realtime Technologies, a part of the Training and Simulation Divison of Arotech Corp. (Nasdaq: ARTX), said last week that it has been selected to provide an upgraded instrumented full cab vehicle simulator for the University of Michigan Transportation and Research Institute.

UMTRI is a nationally recognized leader in safe and sustainable transportation research.

"The simulator plays a key role in advancing research in a variety of areas currently under study at UMTRI, " said Ray Bingham, who leads the Young Driver Behavior and Injury Prevention Group of UMTRI and chairs the UMTRI Simulator Committee. "We know that the leading cause of death in Americans below age 35 is car crashes. Here at UMTRI we are committed to research to reduce those crashes and the fatal and nonfatal injuries they cause. The simulator will play a key role leading UMTRI to making recommendations to save lives."

Bingham said that "Unlike driving in the real world, the simulator allows us to conduct research requiring that multiple participants experience exactly identical roadway, vehicle and environmental conditions. It also provides a safe environment for studying topics that would be too risky on real-world roadways, such as the effects of impairments due to medications, other substances, physical and health conditions, as well as the feasibility and efficacy of new technology such as in-vehicle warning systems and driver assistance devices.  The UMTRI simulator holds great potential as a research tool not only for roadway safety researchers and engineers, but also in the fields of medicine, psychology, public health, urban planning and pharmacy. For example, we are currently using the new UMTRI simulator to study peer influences on driving outcomes and the association between brain function and social behavior while driving."

UMTRI is committed to interdisciplinary research to increase transportation safety and sustainability and further transportation systems knowledge. UMTRI's research significantly impacts highway transportation policy and practice, in the United States and abroad. The institute operates a $24 million research program, with funds received from federal and state government agencies, motor vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, and other organizations. For more information, visit http://www.umtri.umich.edu.   Realtime Technologies has provided a significant upgrade to the existing vehicle simulator lab. These upgrades include new control loaded steering, instrumentation to the existing vehicle cab and visual computer upgrades for the existing 200 degree screen layout.

Realtime Technologies has provided its unique and powerful "SimVista" (scenario development tools) along with "SimCreator" (core vehicle simulation software) and "SimSimulator" (high fidelity vehicle model) for the University's varied human factors research needs. Also delivered with this upgrade is RTI's SimObserver HD digital video capture system, this system allows researchers to capture and play back synchronized views of a simulation experience along with recorded data.

Other key components are the scenario control subsystem that includes autonomous traffic simulation, scripted events, relational behaviors and environmental controls. This subsystem also collects data and performs measurement functions of the simulator for research analysis.

The visual subsystem handles all real time visual rendering processes, including animated and static objects in the scene. This makes what the driver sees out the window seem very realistic.  The visual component is able to render VRML or OpenFlight databases in real time.  The audio software and hardware provide audio cues to match what the driver would expect under the conditions being simulated. Synthesized sounds include engine, wind, tire whine, and noise from other vehicles.

Realtime Technologies specializes in real time multibody vehicle dynamics, and graphical simulation and modeling. RTI offers simulation software applications, consulting, custom engineering, software, and hardware development. RTI's customer base includes university researchers throughout the U.S. and Canada, international, government and private entities. Founded in 1998, RTI is based in Royal Oak and has a satellite office in South Jordan, Utah.

Arotech's Training and Simulation Division provides world-class simulation based training solutions.  ATSD develops, manufactures, and markets advanced high-tech multimedia and interactive digital solutions for engineering, use-of-force, and driver training simulations for military, law enforcement, security, municipal and private industry personnel. The division's fully interactive driver-training systems feature state-of-the-art vehicle simulator technology enabling training in situation awareness, risk analysis and decision-making, emergency reaction and avoidance procedures, and conscientious equipment operation. The division's use-of-force training products and services allow organizations to train their personnel in safe, productive, and realistic environments. The division provides consulting and developmental support for engineering simulation solutions. The division also supplies pilot decision-making support software for the F-15, F-16, F-18, and JSF aircraft, as well as simulation models for the ACMI/TACTS air combat training ranges.

Arotech's Training and Simulation Division consists of FAAC Inc. (www.faac.com) and its divisions IES Interactive Training (www.ies-usa.com), and Realtime Technologies (www.simcreator.com).

Arotech provides defense and security products for the military, law enforcement and homeland security markets, including multimedia interactive simulators/trainers, and advanced zinc-air and lithium batteries and chargers. Arotech operates through two major business divisions: Training and Simulation, and Battery and Power Systems.

More at www.arotech.com.

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