IEEE Queensland
AEROSPACE AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS SOCIETY
TECHNICAL SEMINAR


TITLE: 
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Engineering Virtual Reality Sports Simulators :  A Track Cycling Case Study

SPEAKER:
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Jonathan Shepherd

DATE:
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Friday 13th October 17

TIME: 
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11am – 12pm (AEST)

VENUE:
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Red Zone Griffith University Nathan Campus, n78/170 Kessels Rd, Nathan QLD 4111, 
Australia
 
 
ABSTRACT:  
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With the advent of commercially available virtual reality (VR) hardware, immersive 
experiences can be created to simulate competition performance environments. Simulators 
can provide novel ways of fans to engage with otherwise unattainable performance situations. 
Furthermore, simulators can also have clear advantages for elite athletic training by 
controlling the perceptual inputs, measuring the kinematic based outputs, and providing 
concurrent audio-visual-haptic feedback. When engineering a virtual simulation system 
design considerations including; hardware selection, software design, user safety, and the 
provision of performance factors are fundamental considerations. This talk delves into the 
design considerations of engineering a track cycling simulator for the 2018 Commonwealth 
Games Velodrome. The simulator utilises a stationary exercise bike (Wattbike, 2016 Pro) 
transmitting performance data wirelessly, via the ANT+ protocol, to a PC connected to an 
Oculus Rift VR projecting the audio-visual simulated environment. The prototype simulator 
has been tested on a large reference groups to evidence the design decisions for future 
iterations. 
 

BIO:
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Sports Engineer for the Queensland Academy of Sport, Jonathan Shepherd, is an emerging 
figure in the world of sports technology. His multidisciplinary doctoral research at Griffith 
University, encompasses engineering design, sports science, and motor learning to create a 
framework for enhancing skill acquisition through sports technology. He works across a wide 
range of sports pushing the boundaries of elite performance, reducing injury, and heightening 
mass participation through fan engagement. Jonathan is currently serving as a director on the 
board for the International Sports Engineering Association (ISEA) and is a co-organiser of 
the 2018 ISEA conference ‘Engineering of Sport 12’.