Immersive 3D simulators used for operator training and safety practice in construction and forestry scenarios.
San Francisco, California, September 14, 2025
ForgeFX Simulations has been selected to provide immersive training simulation software for John Deere Construction & Forestry to support employee and dealer training focused on operational efficiency and safety. The simulators aim to standardize instruction, shorten onboarding, and let trainees practice start-up, safe operating limits, and hazard handling in a risk-free virtual setting. ForgeFX, based in San Francisco and led by CEO Greg Meyers, brings over two decades of experience building realistic 3D training solutions. The suite complements past work like the S-22EZ virtual simulator and will integrate multiuser sessions, physics modeling, and cloud tracking.
A San Francisco-based developer of immersive training simulators has been chosen to supply training simulation software to a major construction and forestry equipment manufacturer. The software will be used in training programs for the manufacturer’s employees and dealer network, with primary goals of improving operational efficiency and strengthening safety procedures.
The contract calls for delivery of simulation-based training tools designed to help operators learn machine controls, routine checks, and safe operating practices before they work on real equipment. The training package is aimed at both new hires and dealer technicians and is intended to accelerate onboarding while reducing on-the-job mistakes and related costs.
The supplier is a company based in San Francisco that develops interactive 3D training simulators and has been operating since 2001. The company’s CEO confirmed the selection and described the work as consistent with its mission to provide simulation technology that supports workforce development and safety. Contact details provided for the supplier include a marketing director’s email and a San Francisco phone number for press or partner inquiries.
The training will focus on practical tasks that affect machine performance and jobsite safety, such as prestart inspections, cockpit familiarization, calibration of critical subsystems, and the execution of common work passes. The software will use step-by-step interactive tutorials, visual overlays, and voice prompts to guide trainees through lesson progressions from basic checks to full operation scenarios.
Earlier this year, the same simulation developer announced the completion of a virtual training simulator built with a concrete equipment manufacturer for the company’s flagship screed machine. That simulator replicates a machine with a 20-foot telescoping boom, 360-degree rotation, and advanced laser-guided controls that allow it to spread, level, and vibrate concrete in a single pass.
The virtual screed trainer delivers a full suite of lessons. Trainees can practice prestart inspections, screed head calibration, laser system setup, boom movements, grade control, and transportation procedures. The training environment mirrors real-world dynamics with a digital replica of the machine, animated components that show correct procedures, and highlighted target areas to guide user actions.
The screed simulator was built on the Unity engine and the supplier’s ForgeSIM simulation framework, leveraging the platform’s interaction toolkit to enable XR features. It was designed for use on a popular standalone mixed-reality headset and incorporates advanced hand-tracking for natural user interaction. The simulation engine runs real-time physics to ensure boom adjustments and screeding behavior reflect real-world dynamics.
Key features include multiuser support for group training, cloud-based performance tracking for session review and progress analysis, and safety-focused feedback systems that warn users about unsafe actions—such as extending a boom without deploying stabilizers or approaching obstacles that could cause collisions. The design intent is to let trainees make mistakes safely without wasting material or risking project delays.
The concrete equipment manufacturer described the simulator as a tool that helps trainees build muscle memory for hands-on tasks and reach operators anywhere without the need for travel. The simulator was positioned as a way to reduce rework and material waste, lower travel and logistics emissions, provide consistent training across regions, and support trade schools, apprenticeships, and workforce development programs.
The screed simulator was announced earlier in the year and was slated for demonstration at industry events occurring soon after the launch. It is made available worldwide through the equipment manufacturer. The supplier lists social platforms for additional information and offers direct contact through a named marketing director by email and phone.
For the equipment manufacturer, bringing simulation-based training in-house for employees and dealers aims to standardize instruction, reduce early-career errors, and improve uptime. For customers and contractors, better-trained operators mean fewer accidents, less downtime, and faster productivity gains when machines arrive on site.
A: Employees of the construction and forestry equipment company and its dealer technicians will use the software for training, onboarding, and refresher exercises.
A: Training will cover operational efficiency and safety procedures, including prestart checks, system calibration, machine controls, and hazard awareness.
A: Previous related simulators were developed on the Unity engine and a proprietary simulation framework, with XR interaction toolkits and support for modern mixed-reality headsets and hand-tracking. Cloud-based tracking and multiuser sessions are supported.
A: The simulator is designed to reduce material waste and travel costs, accelerate onboarding, and provide consistent training across regions, which can lead to lower overall training expenses.
A: Contact the supplier’s Director of Marketing via the provided email or phone number for partnership, demo, or media inquiries.
| Area | Key features |
|---|---|
| Intended users | Employees, dealer technicians, apprentices, trade schools |
| Training focus | Operational efficiency, safety procedures, machine calibration |
| Technical stack | Unity engine, proprietary ForgeSIM framework, XR interaction toolkit |
| Hardware | Standalone mixed-reality headsets with advanced hand tracking |
| Simulation features | Real-time physics, animated tutorials, visual overlays, voice prompts |
| Safety systems | Warnings for unsafe actions, collision alerts, stabilizer deployment checks |
| Collaboration | Multiuser sessions, cloud-based performance tracking, remote demos |
| Availability | Offered through equipment manufacturers and global distribution channels |
| Supplier contact | Marketing Director: kristen.cox@forgefx.com | +1 415-788-5725 |
Source: supplier notices and product release materials. This article summarizes reported project details and product capabilities without promotional language.
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