Bechtel, the global construction and engineering company, and Industrial Training International (ITI), the training and technical service company known for their work in creating VR versions of the industry’s heavy equipment, are collaborating to recreate even more crane types for VR training.

Certifying a worker to operate heavy construction equipment like a crane costs companies time and money, and now that the United States’ Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all crane operators to be certified by 2017, there’s never been a better time for simulators to enter the market in force.

Starting in 2016, the collaboration between Bechtel and ITI saw the creation of a mobile crane simulator project using an Oculus Rift headset in combination with a modular rig called ITI VR.

The training is said to improve in-depth, real-life scenarios so operators can improve readiness and safety on site. Bechtel will also expand its subscription to ITI’s training program, which the company uses in its workforce development programs on construction sites across the world.

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Well before the first modern XR products hit the market, Scott recognized the potential of the technology and set out to understand and document its growth. He has been professionally reporting on the space for nearly a decade as Editor at Road to VR, authoring more than 3,500 articles on the topic. Scott brings that seasoned insight to his reporting from major industry events across the globe.
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  • Iain Swales

    when’s it gonna be on Steam?!