Abstract: Systems and methods for a diaphragm effort simulator are disclosed. For example, the technology relates to a system for generating a simulated spontaneous breathing in a simulated lung. An example system includes a first dedicated physical input element that controls a first simulation setting; a second dedicated physical input element that controls a second simulation setting; a motor; an actuator arm coupled to the motor, the actuator arm configured to be coupled to a portion of the simulated lung such that movement of the actuator arm causes the simulated lung to expand; and a housing including a processor and memory, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause activation of the motor to move the actuator arm according to the first simulation setting and the second simulation setting.