Full motion racing simulator

A full motion racing simulator, sometimes called a full motion sim rig, is a motion simulator that is purposed for racing, and must provide motion simulation in all six degrees of freedom, as defined by the aviation simulator industry many decades ago. The six degrees of freedom coincide with Earth physics, and are commonly referred to (in both aircraft, watercraft and other vehicles) as:
Simulations of these six degrees of freedom are usually achieved by tilting of a motion base (also called Stewart platform) which also changes the drivers position relative to the Earth's gravity, giving the sensation of acceleration.
In addition to the six degrees of freedom, it is also common to have force feedback in full motion racing simulators, most commonly in the steering wheel, but sometimes even in other controls as well. To create an even more immersive experience, full motion racing simulators are sometimes also combined with virtual reality headsets.
Definitions.
To merely be called a motion racing simulator, the device in contrast only needs to have a motion simulation mechanism in at least 1 degree of freedom. However, any motion simulator with less than six degrees of freedom should not be referred to as "full" motion simulators.
It should also be noted that the term "simulator" in this article does not refer to the simulation software or game, but rather the physical hardware device that the driver sits in.
DOF comparison.
The number of DOFs determine what kind of car and racing type can be simulated. 2DOF or 3DOF simulators can be sufficient if simulation of yaw, under and oversteer is not important. Advantages of some 2DOF setup can be lower price, quick response times and high speed. 6DOF simulators can achieve yaw (turning), under and oversteer.
Different types of simulators may be more suitable for different use cases. Examples of other use cases may include simulating a motorbike, skiing og horseriding.
Arguably the two most common use cases are auto racing and flight simulators.
Some common motion simulator setup types include:
DC motor actuators are usually more affordable, while AC motor setups generally are more powerful and expensive.
Compatibility.
Various games support full motion simulation. Features and compatibilities may also vary with different hardware and software setups.
Many arcade racing games in amusement arcades frequently use hydraulic motion simulator arcade cabinets that simulate the look and feel of a vehicle. For example, a motorbike that the player sits on and moves around to control the on-screen action, or a car-like cabinet (with seats, steering wheel, pedals and gear stick) that moves around in sync with the on-screen action. This is especially common for arcade racing games from Sega, such as "Hang-On" (1985), "Out Run" (1986), "Virtua Racing" (1992), "Daytona USA" (1993), and the "Initial D Arcade Stage" series.
Layout.
Full motion racing simulators are usually manufactured from steel or aluminum with mounting mechanisms for car controls, such as:
Ergonomics may also attempt to replicate the vehicle being simulated.
Different implementations of 6DOF.
In motion simulation simulators, the cockpit or the occupant's seat is moved in coordination with a graphical output. Different examples of racing simulators with motion exist, some of which provide motion only to the driver's seat, and others that move the entire simulator cockpit including all car controls. Further differentiation exists regarding visual display technology and whether the simulators graphical output moves with, and stays relative to the sim, or is static and motionless.
The SimCraft APEX6 GTS and Cruden are examples of full motion racing simulators implemented in different ways, but both offer motion simulation on all 6 of the degrees of freedom. The Cruden system utilizes a Stewart Platform while SimCraft utilizes a proprietary "Physics based" approach with independent degrees of freedom.