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.
ForgeFX Simulations has been selected to supply training simulation software to a global construction and forestry equipment division, with the program aimed at supporting employee and dealer training on operational efficiency and safety procedures. The selection was announced from San Francisco on September 11, 2025.
The software will be used to support training programs for both company employees and equipment dealers. The focus is on improving on-the-job performance and safety practices through immersive simulation-based learning. The selection positions ForgeFX to deliver systems that teach safe machine operation, routine checks, and efficiency techniques before trainees work on real machines or job sites.
ForgeFX, a San Francisco–based developer of highly realistic interactive 3D training simulators, brings more than two decades of experience creating virtual, augmented and mixed reality training tools for heavy industry and other sectors. The company’s CEO said the firm aims to support the equipment unit’s commitment to innovative, effective training solutions that improve workforce development and safety.
Earlier in 2025 ForgeFX completed a virtual training simulator with Somero Enterprises for the S-22EZ Advanced Laser Screed® machine. That project produced a full training suite that mirrors real-world machine behavior and lets trainees practice tasks such as screeding passes, boom movement, grade control and safe transport—without using concrete or tying up a job site. The Somero program highlighted benefits such as faster onboarding, consistent training across regions, reduced material waste and lower travel emissions.
The S-22EZ virtual simulator includes a digital replica of the flagship machine and covers prestart inspections, cockpit familiarization, screed head calibration, laser setup and execution of screeding passes. It also provides interactive tutorials, visual overlays, voice prompts, animated demonstrations of correct procedures, and highlighted target areas. Safety guidance is built in, with real-time warnings for unsafe actions such as extending a boom without deploying stabilizers and alerts for potential collisions.
ForgeFX builds simulations on industry frameworks including Unity and its own ForgeSIM engine. The Somero simulator uses Unity’s XR Interaction Toolkit for immersive controls, and it was designed for Meta Quest hardware with advanced hand-tracking support. The simulator offers real-time physics, multiuser capability, and cloud-based performance tracking so teams and instructors can run collaborative sessions and review trainee progress remotely.
Reported outcomes from immersive simulators include reduced workplace accidents, lower rework and material waste, consistent skills training across regions, and faster operator readiness. Employers and contractors can expect less downtime and better first-day proficiency from operators trained in a virtual environment.
ForgeFX was founded in 2001 and markets itself as a custom training simulation software developer with over 20 years of experience. The company serves construction, energy, healthcare, mining, aerospace and other industries with spatial computing and mixed-reality training tools. Contact for the company in the recent notice is the director of marketing, reachable by email at kristen.cox@forgefx.com or by phone at +1 415-788-5725.
The selection is expected to lead to deployment of simulation-based training programs for employees and dealer networks, and to follow-on work as the equipment unit scales its training capabilities. The prior Somero rollout showed the simulators can be offered worldwide and demonstrated at industry events; similar availability and event demonstrations are likely with the new program.
The software will focus on machine operation, safety procedures, prestart checks, and efficiency techniques needed by employees and dealers.
Both company employees who operate machines and dealer personnel who support customers will use the simulators for training and certification tasks.
Simulators are developed using Unity and ForgeSIM frameworks, with support for XR toolkits, real-time physics, multiuser sessions, and cloud-based performance tracking. Some modules are designed to run on Meta Quest headsets.
Yes. The virtual environment is risk-free, enabling trainees to make mistakes without endangering people, damaging equipment, or wasting materials. Built-in warnings and real-time feedback reinforce safe behavior.
Virtual training cuts travel, material consumption and trainer time, reduces costly rework, and speeds up operator readiness—lowering both direct and indirect training costs.
Contact the ForgeFX director of marketing at kristen.cox@forgefx.com or call +1 415-788-5725 for program details and deployment options.
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Interactive 3D simulation | Recreates machine controls and jobsite dynamics for hands-on practice without real-world risk. |
| Safety warnings & feedback | Real-time alerts for unsafe actions and guidance to prevent tipping, collisions and other hazards. |
| Real-time physics | Accurate machine behavior that mirrors boom movement, weight shifts and material interaction. |
| Multiuser & cloud tracking | Collaborative sessions and cloud-based performance records for instructors and teams. |
| XR and headset support | Built on Unity and ForgeSIM with XR Interaction Toolkit support and deployment on Meta Quest hardware. |
| Training progression | Structured lessons from prestart checks to advanced operational passes and calibration tasks. |
| Cost and environmental benefits | Reduces material waste, travel, and emissions tied to traditional hands-on training. |
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, September 15, 2025 News Summary The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revised…
Global, September 15, 2025 News Summary A comprehensive market study forecasts rapid growth for construction collaboration…
Palm Bay, Florida, September 15, 2025 News Summary L3Harris and The Austin Co. finished a roughly…
Newark, California, September 15, 2025 News Summary CreateMe Technologies unveiled a hardware and materials system pairing…
Major industry expo, September 14, 2025 News Summary A keynote at a major industry expo outlined…
Greeneville, Tennessee, September 14, 2025 News Summary The Greeneville City Council will consider a $33,342 local…