AUSTIN, Texas — March 2, 2026 — Industrial Training International (ITI), an Interplay Learning company and global provider of specialized industrial training, is introducing enhanced virtual reality simulator capabilities and expanded workforce development programs at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas.
The new offerings underscore ITI’s focus on helping construction and industrial employers mitigate operational risk while accelerating workforce readiness through immersive, technology-driven training solutions.
At the center of the announcement is an upgraded VR Crane Simulator featuring a new 10-ton overhead crane simulation. The addition reflects equipment widely used in manufacturing plants, fabrication shops and construction staging environments. With this enhancement, the simulator now supports training across 10 crane types and more than 1,200 scenarios, allowing organizations to better align operator training with real-world field conditions.
The VR Crane Simulator has also been named a finalist in CONEXPO’s Next Level Awards, placing it among 20 innovations selected from more than 230 submissions.
Expanded VR Crane Simulator Capabilities
Key benefits of the enhanced simulator include:
- Real-world competency: Immersive, OEM-validated simulations replicate crane dynamics, load behavior and live jobsite conditions.
- Risk mitigation: Operators can practice complex or high-risk lifts without endangering personnel, materials or equipment.
- Scalability: Multi-crane configurations and modular hardware enable training standardization across industries and geographic locations.
ITI’s rollout at CONEXPO also includes new concrete tilt-up training scenarios designed to simulate the coordination, precision and safety management required during commercial tilt-up construction projects.
In addition to software upgrades, ITI introduced enhanced hardware integration featuring the Magnetek® brand XLTX Bellybox Transmitter from Columbus McKinnon Corporation. The transmitter incorporates modern wireless control technology commonly used in industrial settings. When integrated with the VR Crane Simulator, learners can build muscle memory using controls that mirror real jobsite equipment, further narrowing the gap between simulation and field performance.
“The industry’s biggest challenge isn’t equipment. It’s developing skilled people,” said Doug Donovan, CEO of Interplay Learning. “Our new offerings expand access to hands-on, high-quality learning designed to help organizations modernize their workforce training and build stronger, safer teams.”
Blended Learning and Maintenance Training Expansion
Beyond crane simulation, ITI is showcasing expanded blended learning programs for tower crane operators. These programs combine client-site instructor-led training, online coursework and simulation modules to provide flexible pathways for accelerating certification and improving project-site safety outcomes.
ITI is also expanding its online Maintenance training catalog, now featuring more than 100 video- and simulation-based courses. A newly introduced instructor-led Electrical Fundamentals and Troubleshooting course strengthens the curriculum by equipping workers with core electrical knowledge and practical diagnostic skills aimed at improving uptime and equipment reliability.
The broader online catalog includes:
- Skill assessments
- Customizable learning pathways
- Training across electrical systems, mechanical systems, equipment maintenance and workplace safety
The company says these additions reflect growing industry demand for scalable, standardized workforce development programs as labor shortages persist across construction and industrial sectors.
Industry Impact and Workforce Development Strategy
As construction firms adopt increasingly complex equipment and digital jobsite tools, immersive training platforms are emerging as a strategic solution to reduce incidents, control insurance costs and improve productivity.
By integrating instructor-led learning, AI-powered simulations and VR technologies, ITI and its parent company, Interplay Learning, aim to help employers shorten time-to-competency while improving retention and operational performance.
CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 takes place March 3–7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, drawing thousands of construction professionals, manufacturers and technology providers from across North America.
Interplay Learning reports that nearly 600,000 individuals have completed its training programs globally. The company has received multiple recent recognitions, including placements on the Inc. 5000 list, Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 and Forbes’ America’s Best Startup Employers list.
Originally reported by Industrial Training International (ITI) in ITI.
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