Simulated driving the future
Roigelio Soabeb, MD of Namsim, introducing one of the company’s four driving simulators. Familiarisation with real-life driving conditions before tackling the road, benefits learner drivers by making the initial learning phase less stressful. The concept takes its cue from pilot training where simulator hours count for training. (Photograph by Lorato Khobetsi)
Roigelio Soabeb, Managing Director of Namsim says although they have managed to stay afloat, they are, however, finding it difficult to penentrate the market as their idea is new in town.
“We are sort of popular among the students at Polytechnic, Unam and school learners. With the general public, we still have to do extensive marketing to get our business out there and to explain to the people what we stand for,” he said.
He added: “The other challenge we face is financial constraints. Marketing is expensive and with any new concept, marketing is the key to success.”
Namsim currently employs 10 people but there are plans to employ more employees and to expand the business to major towns such as Swakopmund and Ongwendiva.
Soabeb advises other people with good ideas to implement them instead of copying other people’s ideas
“If you have something that you feel is different and if you have a strong conviction that this idea can work in the market and you are willing to sleep late, I think you should just go ahead and implement that idea. Put it out there and if it fails try again until you get it right. Most people die with good ideas,” he said.
A simulator is a simple tool that is combined with artificial intelligence connected to a computer with all the components of a real car such as a steering wheel, pedals, indicators, gear shifting and a dash board .
“It’s just a counterpart of the car coupled to a computer to give you the real feeling of driving and it’s very safe, very secure. You do not need to worry about any accidents, so if you make mistakes you can rectify them in a safe environment whereas with conventional driving you will be endangering the lives of other people,” said Soabeb.
