The simulator at Chalmers is managed by the student-run CASTER (Chalmers Automotive Simulator Technology Education Research) project, which is part of the mechanical engineering faculty. The university’s ethos is that the best engineers are those that understand the practical applications of classroom theory. Its vision is “Engineers in the front seat” – they literally put people in the front seat of both the simulator and their own project.

Chalmers offers its students the possibility to further develop their understanding of how vehicles work and are designed, how to code complex systems, run projects and seek potential business with industry professionals. For example, a first year course for mechanical engineering students focusses on Matlab, where students can understand the importance and potential of the tool by applying their knowledge to a real problem.

The simulator supports Chalmers’ Formula Student entry, having helped the university achieve 6^th place in the 2017 Class 1 UK competition, and its entry, Team WP in the Reiter Young Stars (RYS) Cup.

With the ever-increasing potential of simulators in high end motorsport, there are now more simulator engineering jobs on the market than ever before. CASTER provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop their skills and knowledge through the use of the Cruden simulator technology and the application of the Formula Student competition.

Chalmers’ students take their simulated learnings and apply them at the race track