John Deere unveiled its Extended Reality (XR) Training System at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, debuting a headset-based immersive training platform designed to transform how operators learn to use heavy construction and agricultural machinery. The system runs on both the Meta Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise headsets, combining virtual reality modules for procedural and operational training with augmented reality walkarounds for component identification and machine familiarisation.
The initial release covers two machine types: the 650 P-Tier Dozer and the 210 P-Tier Excavator. VR content spans daily maintenance checklists, controls familiarisation, trenching operations, and spreading techniques, while AR modules enable users to identify and locate electrical components on physical or virtual machine representations. A sandbox mode, modelled after John Deere's Coal Valley training site, provides a free-exploration environment, and a challenge mode introduces gamified, timed scenarios for skills reinforcement.
The platform is designed to be portable and deployable across dealerships, jobsites, classrooms, and industry events — replacing fixed operator simulation equipment that requires significant physical space. According to Curtis LeConte, project manager for next-generation training at John Deere, the system removes the location constraints of traditional simulators and allows training to reach operators wherever they are. Future development plans include adding additional machine types, lessons, and broader access options.
