Wi-Fi connectivity and more-compact headsets have evolved the platform toward greater flexibility and power.

The recent boom in development of consumer VR technology has reduced costs and increased functionality. The growing popularity of VR to support immersive gaming has driven the development of hardware. The current beta version of the training program offers a lesson in operating Mazak’s MAZATROL SmoothX CNC on a Mazak INTEGREX i-200 advanced multi-tasking machine. Mazak Virtual Reality Training creates an environment in which participants learn to repair, program, operate, disassemble and reassemble components, all in a completely safe virtual world.

In demonstrations, the system attracts instant interest from younger participants, some in their early teens, who tend to quickly master the VR equipment tutorial. Currently in beta testing, the program requires nothing more than a headset, a pair of controllers and a laptop computer. Recognizing the advantages of VR, machine tool builder Mazak has developed its own virtual reality training program. VR can also make training sessions more accessible from remote locations. In an industry facing skilled labor shortages, shops welcome any development that both attracts young people to manufacturing and makes training easier and faster-on expensive equipment where pressing the wrong button can have serious consequences. Second, it generates immediate enthusiasm for the manufacturing world in younger people. First, it holds the promise of realistic training experiences minus the need for access to an actual machine. For machine tool manufacturers, VR offers two important opportunities. Virtual reality (VR) technology transforms a headset and software into immersive, interactive experiences, letting the user join in the view.

Mazak cnc simulator